Boston Bows Out Of Olympics Bid; LA Mayor Open To 'Discussions'
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) — Does the U.S. Olympic Committee love L.A. after all?
That's the question many are asking now that Boston is no longer in the running to host the 2024 Games.
In a statement announced Monday, U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) CEO Scott Blackmun said the Committee wants to explore other opportunities for potential host cities and that the federation was still interested in mounting a bid for the Summer Games.
While he didn't mention any cities by name, Los Angeles is considered to be a candidate to host the Games for the first time since 1984. The city first hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932.
Local lawmakers last November gave their endorsement to the USOC, saying the "vibrant and diverse city...embodies the highest ideals of the Olympic spirit".
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti released a statement saying that his office hadn't had any recent conversations with the USOC but he'd be happy to have them.
"I continue to believe that Los Angeles is the ideal Olympic city and we have always supported the USOC in their effort to return the Games to the United States," said Garcetti. "I would be happy to engage in discussions with the USOC about how to present the strongest and most fiscally responsible bid on behalf of our city and nation."
Barry A. Sanders, chairman of the Southern California Committee For The Olympic Games, said the group had not heard from the Olympic Committee, although the mayor's office would likely be the first point of contact.
Broad enthusiasm remains to bring the games to Los Angeles, Sanders said. But when asked what would happen with Boston out of the running, he added, "I don't know."
All potential bids for the 2024 Summer Olympics must be submitted by Sept. 15 to the International Olympic Committee, which will select the host city for both the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2017.
(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
