As OCOGs are dissolved shortly after the Games, creating institutions that can manage facilities and oversee the repurposing of infrastructure over the longer-term can help ensure a positive legacy.
The London Legacy Development Corporation
The London Legacy Development Corporation was formed to make the most of the opportunity presented by the 2012 London Olympics to transform East London. Charged with the task of managing the physical legacy of the Games, the Legacy Corporation set about developing the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to serve east Londoners.
As the UK’s first Mayoral Development Corporation, it is accountable to citizens through the Mayor of London. Along with the Mayor, the Corporation works with the greater London Authority, the central government, the East London Host Boroughs, residents in neighbouring local communities, local organisations, businesses and regeneration agencies and national and international sporting, cultural and leisure organisations.
The repurposing of the Olympic Park has created a host of new services and activities for the local community. Notably, it provides sporting facilities for public use and accommodates for fitness classes and sport associations. It also a venue for culture and entertainment events, hosting concerts, performances, expositions and festivals.
Another key objective of the Development Corporation was to provide employment and apprenticeship opportunities to local residents. Over 5,000 people were engaged in the transformation of the Park and the development of the surrounding area has lead to the creation of many jobs, it is predicted that by 2025 over 40,000 new employment opportunities will be generated.
The Utah Sports Commission and Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation
The Utah Sports Commission and Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation were created before the 2002 Salt Lake City Games to lead Utah’s Games legacy efforts. The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation manages the venues, while the Utah Sports Commission’s mission includes attracting and hosting regional, national and international sports events and encouraging the development of amateur athletics. Both are governed by boards made up of sports, business, community, and government leaders.
Since 2002, the Games venues have seen continual use, and the organisations seek to encourage both public recreational and high-performance athlete involvement. They offer sport programs for youth, serve as community recreation centres and have hosted over 50 international World Cup or World Championship events since 2002. Salt Lake City has been selected by the United States Olympic Committee to represent the United States in a potential bid to host the 2030 or 2034 Games.
Source: Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation; Utah Sports Commission; Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
