Los Angeles — President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban may not prevent athletes and officials from participating in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, according to top organizers of the Games.
The ban, which targets visitors from eight countries including Iran and Syria, has raised concerns about international participation in the Olympics. However, LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman expressed confidence that U.S. authorities would make exceptions for athletes and officials attending the Games.
Wasserman pointed to past examples of major events, such as Super Bowl matches held in Miami, as evidence of U.S. authorities’ history of accommodating international visitors for significant events.
“Miami has hosted multiple Super Bowls,” Wasserman noted during a meeting with International Olympic Committee members at City Hall. “They’ve also had World Cup matches there.”
He added, “We’re confident that we will be able to accommodate our international visitors.”
International Olympic Committee member Nicole Hoevertsz echoed Wasserman’s sentiments, expecting cooperation from U.S. authorities similar to previous Olympic Games hosted by other countries. She emphasized the importance of ensuring smooth entry procedures for participants to ensure a successful event.
“Cooperation between stakeholders is essential,” Hoevertsz stated during her visit to Los Angeles this week with IOC President Thomas Bach and other committee members. “We are confident we can achieve this goal.”
LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover discussed contingency planning measures taken following recent wildfires near Los Angeles when asked about potential disruptions caused by Trump’s travel ban or other factors such as terrorism or natural disasters. Hoover emphasized adaptability as part of LA28’s culture since its inception nearly five years ago when it was awarded hosting rights over Paris by a single vote at an IOC session in Lima, Peru, on July 31, 2017.
Hoover also mentioned potential lessons learned regarding community engagement and sustainability strategies related to emergency situations, such as wildfires or earthquakes, which could impact future games.
Progress made since their last visit in November was praised by Hoevertsz, who highlighted efforts towards delivering a safe, sustainable event while noting the importance of cooperation between stakeholders, including government agencies, local businesses, and community groups.
In response to questions regarding how they plan to deal with any disruptions caused by unforeseen circumstances, Hoover stated, “We will be ready for anything that comes our way, always prioritizing the safety, health, and happiness of all participants, including athletes, officials, spectators, volunteers, and staff members.”
Despite concerns surrounding Trump’s travel ban, LA28 officials remain optimistic about hosting successful games without significant disruptions.
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