University student governments representing more than 50,000 young Angelenos have endorsed LA 2024, underscoring polling that shows that 88% of LA millennials support bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the City of Angels for the first time in a generation.
The student governments of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC) passed resolutions supporting LA's bid to bring the summer Games to the US for the first time in 28 years. The elected bodies cited the benefit the Games would provide their universities and young people more broadly, as well as LA’s unique ability to harness creativity and innovation to deliver a Games-changing experience that connects the Olympic and Paralympic Movement to the next generation. The resolutions reinforce Loyola Marymount University's Center for the Study of Los Angeles' independent poll that found 88% of LA's millennials support the Games.
The UCLA Undergraduate Students Association’s resolution highlighted the central role its campus would play in LA 2024's plan to redefine a sustainable Games model for the future. UCLA’s state-of-the-art residences, which exist today and are home to more than 16,000 residents, will serve as LA 2024’s Olympic and Paralympic Village. UCLA’s superb campus environment, housing, dining and athletic facilities have helped attract accomplished students and athletes from around the world. UCLA's newly renovated Pauley Pavilion arena is LA 2024's proposed venue for wrestling, judo and the Paralympic sitting volleyball event.
UCLA Undergraduate Students Association External Vice President Rafi Sands said: "UCLA’s Olympic and Paralympic pride runs deep, and we could not be more thrilled to support the LA 2024 bid committee as they work to bring the Games back to our city and our campus. We are convinced that the Olympic and Paralympic Games can help unite our student body and inspire the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. As an institution at the forefront of sustainability and technology, we as students are also proud of UCLA’s role as the Olympic and Paralympic Village, ensuring that LA 2024 organizers would be able to focus their attention on delivering the best possible Games experience instead of worrying about expensive construction costs or white elephant structures."
Gold-medal Olympic gymnast, LA 2024 Athletes’ Advisory Commission Member and current UCLA student Jordyn Wieber said: "As both an Olympian and a Bruin, I know UCLA has what it takes to warmly welcome athletes from all over the world in 2024. Our state-of-the-art residence halls, medical facilities and sporting infrastructure form the perfect recipe for ensuring that Olympians and Paralympians can deliver peak performances and inspire the next generation of athletes. We students know this better than anyone because we live, work and play on this beautiful campus every day, and we sincerely hope to have the chance to share it with the world in 2024. "
In its resolution, the USC Undergraduate Student Government cited the university’s reputation for creative and storytelling excellence as the major reason their institution is an ideal partner for LA 2024 and the Games. Home to the world-renowned USC School of Cinematic Arts and USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism – proposed location of the Main Press Center – USC will be central to LA 2024’s commitment to connect the Olympic and Paralympic Movement with a new generation of fans. USC’s facilities are the cornerstone of LA 2024’s Downtown Sports Park, containing the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Galen Center, and USC’s Dedeaux Field, the site of LA 2024’s temporary state-of-the-art aquatics facility. Along with hosting the Main Press Center, USC’s campus will also act as LA 2024’s Media Village.
USC Undergraduate Student Government President Edwin Saucedo said: "In a very real way, our generation will be a significant benefactor of the 2024 Games in LA, therefore we think it’s important for young adults to show the world how important they are in these challenging times. The Games will have a terrific impact on our city, our students, and our youth. We relish the chance to put our student body’s creativity and innovation at the service of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and to promote our university on the ultimate global stage."
6-time Olympic champion, LA 2024 Athletes’ Advisory Commission Member and USC Trojan Allyson Felix said: "USC students live and breathe Olympic sport - it’s in our DNA. Between UCLA and USC, Los Angeles’ universities have the richest collegiate Olympic traditions in the nation and the world. It would be a dream come true for all of our students to be able to give the world's athletes a home field advantage in 2024."
LA 2024 Chairman Casey Wasserman said: "At a time when the Olympic Movement is working hard to engage with young adults around the world, LA 2024 helps paves the way. I’d like to thank UCLA and USC students for their support and enthusiasm for our bid and for their belief in the power of the Games to make our city and the world a better place. LA’s youth is ready to be inspired by the greatest celebration of sport on the planet - the Olympic and Paralympic Games - and we at LA 2024 are eager to make their dreams come true."
Both UCLA and USC are among the most prestigious universities in the nation. Each has approximately 43,000 undergraduate and graduate students and both campuses are home to thousands of international students from more than 100 countries. International students make up 24% of USC’s student population and 15% of UCLA’s student population.
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