Lake Perris, located just about 20 miles from Riverside, has been selected as a potential spot for canoe-sprint and rowing competitions in the highly anticipated 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
The reservoir has been selected by the LA 2024 Committee as its “proposed site” for the two events. The Olympics will be held at Lake Perris only if Los Angeles wins the bid and certain conditions are met.
Wendy Keyes-Kimbirk, assistant professor of economics and quantitative methods, said the economics depend on how well the city does with preparing the lake.
“It could be good for the area because they can devote money to develop the infrastructure to keep up with the growing population,” Keyes-Kimbirk said.
“One potential is with the repair work of the dam. It could revitalize the area.”
This would not be the first time Olympic events would be held in Southern California. Los Angeles hosted the shooting events at the Prado Olympic Shooting Park in Chino for the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Stephan Taylor, junior criminal justice major, said it would be a great opportunity to be able to go to the games.
“It would be worth it to have the games close by and I would definitely attend the events,” Taylor said. “It would be a great way to bring people from all around the world to the U.S.”
The 130th International Olympic Committee Session will decide the host of the Summer 2024 Olympic Games Sept. 13, 2017.
The decision will be made between Los Angeles, Budapest, Hungary and Paris.
Rome and Hamburg have withdrawn from candidacy.
For those who have not yet had the opportunity to watch the Olympic Games, the summer of 2024 may give them another chance to see the Olympic torch lit closer to home.
