Stockholm's Olympic exit won't affect Calgary's potential 2026 bid, local officials say

The fact Stockholm is out of the running for the 2026 Winter Olympics won't affect Calgary's decision whether to bid, local officials say.

Stockholm Mayor Karin Wanngrd announced Wednesday the International Olympic Committee can't tell them how much sponsorship or broadcasting revenue it will share with the host city of the 2026 Games, so they won't be bidding.

Calgary has formed a bid exploration committee to examine whether this city should take a shot at hosting the 2026 Olympics.

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Committee spokesperson SeanBeardowsays what other cities do won't affect its work.

"We're at a point now where we're determining the factors of whether or not an Olympic Games really fits into Calgary's vision for its future and that's what we're focussed on right now," he said.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi agrees Calgary's decision can't be guided by what other cities do.

"If we move forward to a bid, it has to be a great bid," he said. "It doesn't matter who is bidding against us, we don't want to be the default bid because no one else is bidding, for example. We have to have the best possible bid so the competitive thing is irrelevant. The reason for them dropping out is very relevant."

The committee will report to city council in July so it can decide whether or not Calgary should pursue hosting the games.

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