Oslo 2022 Hits Back at Public Support Concerns

(ATR) Oslo 2022 CEO Eli Grimsby denies that public support for the Olympic bid is in rapid decline, telling Around the Rings it has strong youth backing.

According to an opinion poll conducted last week by Oslo daily newspaper VG, 56 per cent of the 1,020 people surveyed are against the Olympic bid with only 30 per cent in favor. Around the corresponding time in 2013, a VG poll reported that 45 per cent were backing the Norwegian capital’s Olympic ambitions.

Grimsby shrugged off the latest opinion poll, saying she welcomed public debate about the bid.

"Some international media tells a story of a dramatic decline in public support for the Oslo 2022 bid. The real picture is far more nuanced," she told ATR. "The youth in Norway strongly support the Oslo 2022 bid."

The bid flagged up the results of its own survey. Polls conducted by TNS Gallup for Oslo 2022 during July and August reveal that around 50 percent of people opposed the Olympics, with 35 percent positive and 15 percent undecided.

Oslo 2022 said the TNS Gallup research confirmed that a majority of people aged 29 or under were in favor (around 50 percent; 35 percent negative).

"From a Games-time experience point of view, there can be no doubt about a future Norwegian public support," Grimsby said.

"The huge outdoor crowds cheering every athlete, celebrating both the medalists and waiting for the last man to finish – is unrivaled, demonstrated in Oslo 1952, Lillehammer 1994 and lately during the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2011."

She added: "We believe there is a potential of unleashing the love Norwegians hold to winter sports and the Olympic Games. And the younger generations (below 29 years) have backed the bid all the way."

Asked what Oslo 2022 was doing to try to grow public support for the bid nationwide, she said initiatives were underway to "keep on informing about the bid, and the values the Olympic and Paralympic Games can give our country".

Oslo 2022 has launched a cultural tour, conducting workshops around the country to involve and engage a broad spectrum of cultural institutions, organizations and artists, she explained.

"The Olympic Games give unique opportunities for Norwegian culture and artists – and this have been widely recognized in the national media. The workshops have been very well received, and the tour is still ongoing," the Oslo 2022 bid leader said.

Aside from its struggle to garner public support, Oslo 2022’s campaign is dependent on winning government and parliamentary backing in the next few months in order to continue in the three-city bidding contest.

Beijing and Almaty are the other bidders in the race. The IOC Session will decide the host city in July 2015.

Reported by Mark Bisson.

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