Scrap Sochi and Bring the Winter Games to Salt Lake City!

Okay, it is not going to happen…but why not at least offer?

Christian Harrison, an author and my dear friend, made the following suggestion this morning:

Perhaps now is a good time for Mayor Ralph Becker and the City Council to announce to the world that we’re able to host should Sochi become untenable. We’ve wowed the world before in hosting the Olympics against all odds — we could do it again.

Of course, I don’t expect Sochi to be stripped of its host status. But speaking out at this time would be a strong albeit symbolic voice in favor of human rights, human dignity, and the fundamentals of Olympism.

In light of the on-going persecution of homosexuals and other questionable actions by the Russian government, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and the Salt Lake City Council could send a strong symbolic message.

Salt Lake City? Utah? Really?

You may not think Utah when you think gay rights, let alone gay-friendly. However, Salt Lake City is one of the most gay friendly cities in the United States.

Additionally, Salt Lake City and Utah has the winter sports infrastructure that would make their offer a relatively serious one. While still a symbolic gesture, Salt Lake City would be one of the very few places that could actually take on the Winter Olympics under such conditions.

Obviously, it would not be particularly practical at this point and I do not see the United States or the International Olympic Committee having any interest in taking on Russia over this.

Hey, it wouldn’t hurt to offer.