In the wake of devastating fires that struck Los Angeles, the team organizing the 2028 Olympics is taking action to ensure the city’s recovery, with the upcoming Games serving as a driving force for rejuvenation. They discussed their vision for a revitalized Los Angeles at the International Olympic Committee’s recent meeting in Greece.
According to the chairman of the organizing committee, Casey Wasserman, the Olympics symbolize a new beginning for LA, potentially transforming it into “LA 2.0.” He emphasized that such a large-scale natural disaster has inevitably become central to the city’s forward-thinking mission.
Kendrick Lamar is expected to play a role in the 2028 Olympics, particularly in its opening ceremony scheduled for July 14. Wasserman, whose agency represents Lamar, hinted that the artist would likely contribute to the event, given his strong ties to the city and his notable performance at the Super Bowl halftime show.
The fires, which reshaped both daily life and the global view of Los Angeles, have set the stage for a comeback narrative that hopes to inspire. Olympic operations and venues remained largely untouched, prompting focus on aiding affected residents in returning to normalcy.
An additional hurdle for the LA organizers is managing the international presence at the Games amidst global political uncertainties. Assurances were made that the United States will be ready to welcome all participating countries with open arms, reflecting the inclusive nature of LA as a diverse metropolis.
To this end, Wasserman outlined the progress made in collaboration with President Donald Trump’s administration, which bears responsibility for security during the Olympics and the following Paralympics. Regular engagements have been established to ensure effective cooperation across federal agencies, driven by leadership from the President to support all stakeholders involved in the Games.
The matter of U.S. visa protocols and the existing travel bans impacting more than 40 nations sparked inquiries from IOC member Ingmar de Vos, who leads the group overseeing summer sports. While acknowledging these challenges, Wasserman reassured that every effort is being made to address them. A dedicated team within the U.S. State Department is actively working on logistical arrangements for seamless entry to the country.
Wasserman pointed out that the intricacies of managing sports event visas extend beyond those encountered during the World Cup, which the U.S. is set to host alongside Canada and Mexico. He underlined the necessity for complex and efficient organization to accommodate athletes and delegations rapidly and efficiently.
Gene Sykes, a fellow IOC member and president of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, echoed the commitment to hospitality and mutual respect for all guests arriving for the Games. He added that the recent fire incident tested the community’s strength but also highlighted the resolve and grit of the local population.
