Utah's 2034 Winter Games Organizers Unveil Early Plans

New Olympic education program launching in Utah classrooms this fall as part of broader community impact strategy

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:41am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented winter sports action in shades of blue, white, and grey, conveying the conceptual idea of community engagement and grassroots involvement in the 2034 Winter Olympics.The 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah aim to engage communities across the state through innovative educational programs and grassroots initiatives.Salt Lake City Today

Organizers of the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah are focusing this year on laying the groundwork for the Games, including launching a pilot program to teach K-12 students about Olympic values and get them more involved in sports. They also plan to engage with communities across the state and start fundraising efforts, though the bulk of detailed planning will wait until closer to the event.

Why it matters

Utah's second hosting of the Winter Olympics, coming just over 30 years after the successful 1002 Games, provides an opportunity to build excitement and engagement across the state from an early stage. The organizers' focus on community impact and education aims to ensure the Games have a lasting positive influence, beyond just the two-week event.

The details

The organizing committee plans to launch a pilot program this fall in at least six school districts, both urban and rural, to teach students about Olympic values and get them more involved in sports. This will eventually evolve into a full-blown, statewide Olympic education initiative starting in 2027. Organizers are also looking to develop a youth sports strategy to support not just Team USA, but athletes from other countries as well. Additionally, they want to find ways to 'engage every corner of the state' so no Utahn feels left out of the Games' planning and celebration.

  • The pilot Olympic education program will launch in Utah classrooms this fall.
  • The full statewide Olympic education program is planned to start in 2027.
  • Organizers expect to finalize their first 'roadmap' for the 2034 Games by Olympic Day on June 23, 2026.

The players

Brad Wilson

The CEO of the Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Fraser Bullock

The president and executive chair of the 2034 Winter Games organizing committee.

Carin Clark

A Utah County business executive and member of the 2034 Winter Games steering committee.

Ken Garff for Good

One of the $20 million donors to the organizing committee's Podium34 fundraising effort, who is helping develop the Olympic education program.

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What they’re saying

“'Really, this year our plan is to plan,' said Brad Wilson, the CEO of the Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”

— Brad Wilson, CEO, Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

“'We're leaving the bulk, the vast majority, of the planning of the Games, to start four to five years out,' said Fraser Bullock, the Games' president and executive chair.”

— Fraser Bullock, President and Executive Chair, 2034 Winter Games Organizing Committee

“'Let's just start collecting,' said Carin Clark, a member of the steering committee, suggesting Utahns who want to volunteer be allowed to sign up soon.”

— Carin Clark, Steering Committee Member

What’s next

The organizing committee plans to finalize the locations for the pilot Olympic education program by the end of May 2026. They will also continue fundraising efforts and work on developing a technology initiative and securing domestic sponsors for the 2034 Games.

The takeaway

Utah's early focus on community engagement and education around the 2034 Winter Olympics aims to ensure the Games have a lasting positive impact on the state, beyond just the two-week event. By getting students and local communities involved from the start, the organizers hope to build excitement and investment in the Games across Utah.