U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand visited the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex on Friday and voiced support for New York’s emerging effort to pursue a bid for the 2042 Winter Olympics.
The visit comes as state officials and Olympic organizers explore the possibility of bringing the Winter Games back to Lake Placid, which previously hosted the Olympics in 1932 and 1980. Gillibrand toured the recently upgraded facility and met with local officials to discuss the region’s readiness to host another international sporting event.
Gillibrand said New York’s Olympic legacy, combined with significant investments in sports venues and regional infrastructure, positions the state as a strong candidate for a future Winter Games. She said a successful bid could help drive economic growth, tourism and long-term development throughout the region.
Ashley Walden, president and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority, said recent state-funded improvements have strengthened the region’s Olympic venues and prepared them for future international competition. The authority manages Mt. Van Hoevenberg and several other Olympic facilities in the Lake Placid area.
Mt. Van Hoevenberg serves as a training center for elite athletes and hosts international winter sports competitions. Supporters of a 2042 bid say the region’s existing infrastructure and Olympic history could provide a foundation for a sustainable and cost-effective Games.
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