(ATR) A new poll suggests that a majority of Bostonians are in favor of the Olympics, with a catch.
Conducted by Suffolk University, the poll, released on Apr. 22, reported that 56 percent support for the Olympics if guaranteed that no public money is spent to build venues for the Games.
When no qualifier about public funding was added, Boston 2024 registered 43 percent support, and 46 percent opposition. The support is a modest increase over the latest poll from public radio affiliate WBUR, which reported 40 percent support for the bid.
"We believe it's all about constant momentum," John Fish, Boston 2024 bid leader, said on a teleconference to Olympic journalists at the SportAccord Convention in Sochi.
"We’re confident that given enough time to explain of why we're bidding for the games, the benefits of the games themselves, and the long term value to it, the general public will continue to grow in support."
Boston 2024 has seen a steady increase in support for the Games, since recording 36 percent support in a poll released Mar. 20.
After the low support, Boston 2024 announced a statewide referendum would be held on Nov. 16. 2016.
Boston 2024 Board of Directors Meets
John Fish will chair a 30-member Board of Directors including sporting personnel, United States Olympic Committee officials, and civic leaders.
The board will be vice-chaired by Steve Pagliuca, owner of the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association, and Roger Crandall, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Chief Executive, and will meet twice a year.
The group held their first meeting on Apr. 22, and plans to meet as a full board twice a calendar year. Auditing, executive, and governance committees will be finalized in the next several weeks.
Boston 2024 will meet with the USOC Board of Directors in June to update the body on the bid’s progress.
"As we make progress, every day, in the right direction, it will be very well received by the board of directors," Fish said on the teleconference.
The total makeup of the board includes seven leaders from the USOC; Boston sports legends Larry Bird, David Ortiz, and Joseph Henry Wright.
Olympians and Paralympians, Angela Ruggiero, Antia DeFrantz, and Whitney Ping will represent the USOC, being aided by Michelle Kwan, Meb Keflezighi, and Cheri Blauwet.
"We wanted to select athletes that have an association with our community, who could add value to the conversation," Fish said.
"Their past experience in the Olympics, how they could add value, that's part of the criteria we used to pick these teammates for our board."
On the civic side, four local leaders with philanthropic expertise will help emphasize how the Olympic Bid fits in with the needs of the city.
"We anticipate the board will grow to 50 people. it will provide a sense of guidance, a sense of governance for the organization."
A full list of the Boston 2024 board can be found here.
Written by Aaron Bauerand Ed Hula
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