The story of Utah’s Olympic legacy is not simply about a single event in 2002 but about decades of planning, investment, and stewardship that have positioned the state as a trusted global leader in winter sport. What began as an ambitious vision has become a model of how Olympic infrastructure can serve both international sport and local communities long after the closing ceremonies. 

Utah’s journey toward hosting the Games began in the early 1970s, when Colorado voters rejected a bond to fund the 1976 Winter Olympics. That decision shifted attention westward, and leaders in Salt Lake City recognized the opportunity to build Utah into America’s winter sports capital. In 1989, Utahns demonstrated their commitment by approving a statewide bond that funded the construction of facilities designed to attract world-class competition and athlete training. By 1994, the Utah Winter Sports Park, the Ogden Ice Sheet, and the Kearns Oval were under construction, establishing the state’s permanent Olympic infrastructure. In 1995, the International Olympic Committee awarded Salt Lake City the 2002 Winter Games, marking the culmination of years of strategic preparation. 

The 2002 Games arrived at a moment of global uncertainty. Staged only months after the attacks of September 11, they provided a rare occasion for unity and resilience. The Games elevated Utah’s international profile, delivered critical infrastructure upgrades, and produced a financial surplus of 160 million dollars. That surplus seeded the Legacy Fund, repaid state contributions, and secured permanent ownership of the Utah Olympic Park and the Utah Olympic Oval. The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation was established to steward these venues and ensure that the legacy of the Games would endure. 

Over the past two decades, that responsibility has been transformed into opportunity. The Foundation has preserved these world-class facilities and expanded their reach, turning them into year-round centers for recreation, athlete development, and community engagement. Today the venues are regarded among the best in the world, providing international federations with confidence that Utah can once again host the Games without the risks and costs of building from scratch. Every competition venue needed for the 2034 Games already exists, has been modernized, and is in active use. This reality reflects not only sustainability and fiscal responsibility but also alignment with the International Olympic Committee’s priorities under Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5. 

The scale of the Foundation’s impact is both economic and social. Annual spending by UOLF and visitors to the venues supports more than one thousand jobs, contributes seventy-eight million dollars to Utah’s GDP, and generates one hundred thirty-two million dollars in total industry output. In 2023 alone, out-of-state visitors spent nearly twelve million dollars while training, competing, and attending events. Venue utilization is now four times higher than in the years immediately following 2002, a clear indicator of Utah’s success in sustaining and expanding the value of its Olympic infrastructure. 

At the same time, the Foundation has embedded the Olympic spirit into the fabric of Utah’s communities. Nearly 2,500 young people participate in UOLF programs each year, with more than half coming from economically disadvantaged households and nearly half representing diverse backgrounds. Subsidized access ensures that sport is available to all children, not just those with financial means. Community events, volunteer opportunities, and recreational programs provide additional pathways for Utahns to engage with the Olympic legacy in their daily lives. 

For the International Olympic Committee, Utah’s proven stewardship was one of the most persuasive arguments in awarding the 2034 Winter Games to Salt Lake City. The state has demonstrated that the 2002 Games were not an isolated achievement but the foundation of a lasting legacy. By maintaining and modernizing venues, embedding them into community life, and showing consistent fiscal responsibility, Utah has proven that it is capable of hosting the Games again in a manner that is both sustainable and inspiring. 

The 2034 bid was never only about hosting another Games. It was about showing how careful preservation and purposeful use of Olympic investments can generate long-term economic growth, community engagement, and international trust. The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation has been at the center of that effort, ensuring that the flame of 2002 has never gone out. As the state prepares to welcome the world again in less than a decade, Utah’s living Olympic legacy stands as one of the most compelling success stories in modern Olympic history. 

At the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, we believe the Olympic Games are more than a two-
week event. They leave behind world-class venues and a responsibility to ensure those venues
continue to serve both Utahns and visitors from around the globe. Since 2002, our work has
focused on turning that responsibility into opportunity—creating spaces that strengthen our
economy, elevate sport, and enrich communities.

Today, the Utah Olympic Oval, Utah Olympic Park, and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center stand as
living examples of what an Olympic legacy can mean. These venues are not only training
grounds for elite athletes but also community hubs where families skate, children learn to ski,
and volunteers come together to support local and international events. We are proud that these
spaces are as vital today as they were when the Olympic flame first lit them more than two
decades ago.

The impact is clear. According to a recent study by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, our
work combined with visitor spending at the venues supports over 1,000 jobs, generates
seventy-eight million dollars in annual GDP, and contributes one hundred thirty-two million
dollars in overall industry output each year. Visitors to our venues spent nearly twelve million
dollars in 2023, fueling local businesses in accommodations, food, transportation, and
recreation. These numbers remind us that preserving Utah’s Olympic legacy is not just about
sport—it is also about sustaining livelihoods and strengthening Utah’s economy.

The community benefits extend well beyond economics. In fiscal year 2023, our venues hosted
more than 140,000 athlete training days and welcomed over 90,000 out-of-state visitors. At the
same time, our programs and events provided opportunities for Utahns of all ages and abilities
to connect, play, and grow. Whether it is a child discovering a love for sport, a family attending a
community event, or volunteers working side by side, these experiences are at the heart of our
mission.

As we prepare for the return of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2034, we remain
committed to ensuring Utah’s venues are ready for the world stage while staying rooted in
community. Our legacy is not only about maintaining facilities; it is about making them vibrant,
accessible, and impactful for generations to come.

The Games may come once every few decades, but the legacy lives on every day—and it is our
honor to carry it forward.

At the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation (UOLF), our mission goes beyond maintaining world-class Olympic venues. We are dedicated to building healthier, stronger communities through our Healthy Communities program. It is our mission to connect youth across Utah with opportunities to participate in sports, discover their potential, and develop lifelong habits of activity and wellness. We believe that every child deserves the chance to play, grow, and thrive through sport. 

This week, as our neighbors at Park City High School celebrate Homecoming, we are reminded of the central role sports play in bringing young people, families, and communities together. From the Friday night lights to Olympic ice and snow, sport unites us, teaches life lessons, and creates lasting opportunities for health and growth. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight the many proven benefits of youth sports. 

This belief aligns closely with the National Youth Sports Strategy, which aims to unite U.S. youth sports culture around a shared vision: that one day, all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports—no matter their race, gender, ability, or ZIP code. 

But why does youth sports access matter so much? Research shows that participating in sports delivers benefits that extend far beyond the field. These benefits touch every part of life—mental and physical health, academics and careers, lifelong habits, and even our communities and economy. 

Stronger Minds, Healthier Hearts 

Parents already know the value of sports. In fact, 73% of parents believe sports improve their child’s mental health, and the data proves them right. A 2022 report from the U.S. President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition found that youth sports participation is linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression, less stress, higher self-esteem, reduced suicidal thoughts, and lower substance use.  

Recent studies confirm these benefits. Children involved in team sports report about a 10% lower rate of anxious or depressed symptoms and a 19% lower rate of withdrawal and depression compared to non-athletes. Another large study published in BMJ found that organized sports can reduce the risk of anxiety by 14%–21% and depression by 19–35%, for boys and girls. Kids who stay engaged in sports are also less likely to experiment with risky behaviors like tobacco and drug use. 

For children with disabilities, the benefits are equally powerful. Adaptive and inclusive sports have been shown to improve emotional well-being, social connection, and life satisfaction  

On the physical side, 88% of parents recognize the health benefits of youth sports. The evidence backs them up: regular participation supports a healthy weight, stronger bones, and better cardiovascular fitness, while also lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Studies even show that active youth are 20% less likely to be overweight or obese than their peers. It goes without question that kids who play sports are more active, healthier, and enjoy a better quality of life in their youth and into adulthood. 

Better Students, Stronger Leaders 

Sports do not just shape athletes; they shape scholars and leaders. A study of over 4,200 students found that kids who regularly participate in sports tend to test better, have higher school attendance, and have a greater likelihood of being accepted into university. 

Sports also instill critical life skills like time management, discipline, and goal setting. An Ohio State University study found that 34% of youth who played organized sports scored high on “grit”—a measure of resilience and perseverance—compared to 23% of non-participants. These are the very traits that translate into leadership, in the classroom and later in careers and communities. 

Building Skills for School and Career 

Sports provide life lessons that reach far beyond the game. More than 50% of parents believe sports benefit their child academically, and 80% say sports instill discipline, dedication, and teamwork. 

The evidence is clear: sports participation is linked to stronger social skills, leadership qualities, and academic achievement. High school athletes are more likely to graduate, attend college, and persist through higher education. They also report higher levels of perseverance and problem-solving, skills that prepare them for success in every aspect of life. 

Sports also cultivate leadership in measurable ways. Research by the NCAA and Gallup found that 55% of student-athletes reported serving in leadership roles during college—such as being a team captain, leading student government, or running campus clubs—compared to 31% of their non-athlete peers. 

For women, the connection is even more striking. A joint study commissioned by Earnst and Young and espnW  revealed that 80% of female Fortune 500 executives played sports earlier in life, and 94% of women in the C-suite reported having participated in sports at some point. A recent Deloitte survey went further, showing that 69% of women earning over $100,000 annually in leadership roles reported playing competitive sports, and 85% said those athletic experiences directly contributed to their career success. 

These findings highlight what parents and coaches already see on the field: the teamwork, discipline, and resilience kids develop in sports often carry forward into leadership roles in schools, businesses, and communities. 

Sports can be especially impactful for kids of color, who often face greater barriers to participation yet stand to benefit enormously when opportunities exist. A 2021 study found that youth sports promote social and emotional learning especially among young men of color, building skills like confidence, discipline, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Additionally, the National Black Sport Participation & Physical Activity Report highlights that Black youth who participate in sports demonstrate higher academic performance, greater social connectedness, and increased access to scholarships and career opportunities. 

Sports are also especially meaningful in Hispanic communities. National survey data shows that about 46.9% of Hispanic children aged 6–17 participated in organized sports in the past year. Subsequently, a study published in the Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education showed that participation in interscholastic sports was positively associated with higher mathematics scores among Latino students. Families consistently report that sports provide belonging, strengthen school engagement, and open doors for future leadership. Programs that are culturally responsive and financially accessible demonstrate that with the right support, Hispanic youth can and do thrive in sports settings, gaining benefits both inside and outside the classroom. 

Together, these findings show that expanding access to sports is not just about fairness—it’s about unleashing the leadership potential, academic growth, and career readiness of the next generation. 

Habits That Last a Lifetime 

The benefits of youth sports don’t stop when the season ends. Nearly 77% of adults who play sports today began playing as youth. 

Longitudinal studies confirm the lasting impact. Adolescents who play organized sports are 8 times more likely to remain physically active into adulthood than those who don’t participate. A 21-year longitudinal study found that persistent participation in youth sports strongly predicts higher levels of adult activity and better long-term health outcomes. 

This means that when we invest in youth sports today, we’re not just supporting kids in the moment—we’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of health and wellness. 

A Win for Communities and Economies 

When kids play sports, entire communities benefit. Active youth grow into healthier adults, reducing long-term health care costs and strengthening the workforce. A study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that simply increasing the percentage of U.S. children ages 8–11 who get 25 minutes of physical activity three times per week from 32% to 50% would avert $21.9 billion in medical costs and lost wages over their lifetimes. 

The study also showed that if kids met the same activity guidelines, the U.S. would see 1.2 million fewer overweight or obese youth and avoid $62.3 billion in medical costs and lost wages for just that one cohort of kids. Since a new group of children enters that age range each year, the potential savings grow even larger. As lead researcher Dr. Bruce Y. Lee noted, “Encouraging exercise and investing in physical activity such as school recess and youth sports leagues when kids are young pays big dividends as they grow up.” 

Youth sports also strengthen economies. By building stronger, healthier kids, we’re also building a stronger workforce. Studies link physical activity to higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and longer career participation. 

Youth sports are more than games. They are investments in the health, well-being, and future of our children, our families, and our state. At UOLF, we remain committed to preserving world-class venues and programs that ensure every child has the chance to experience these benefits—because when kids play, Utah wins.