The U.S. Olympic Committee is standing behind Boston's Olympic bid despite a published report suggesting it might drop the city's push for the 2024 games if public support doesn't improve.
The U.S. Olympic Committee, which chose Boston as its city to nominate for the summer games, issued a statement denouncing the Wall Street Journal story claiming the bid could be pulled. The report, published Tuesday, cited people familiar with the U.S. Olympic Committee's plans.
"We believe that Boston can and should lead America's bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we are absolutely committed to our partnership with Boston 2024 and their innovative concept for hosting the Games," USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said. "Any suggestion that we are considering alternatives is simply not true."
Poll numbers have shown falling public support for the 2024 games in Boston. But the organization Boston 2024 says it believes it can turn that support around.
"Boston 2024 has enjoyed the unequivocal support of our partner, the United States Olympic Committee, since we were designated in January," Boston 2024 CEO Rich Davey said. "Boston 2024 and the USOC will conduct polls from time to time during this bid process to ensure we are on track to win a majority support. In fact the IOC requires it. We welcome this initiative and we are confident that all polling over the coming months will reveal a significant increase in public support as we continue to inform and engage the people of Boston and Massachusetts about the long-term and sustainable benefits of the Games."
