News

FOX25 speaks with Boston2024 committee member

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A catalyst for positive change throughout the city of Boston:  That's how one member of the Boston2024 team  describes the city's Olympic bid.

It's the first time we're speaking one-on-one with a member of the committee working to bring the games to Boston. FOX25's Kerry Kavanaugh explains the unique role this committee member plays in garnering support for the controversial bid.

"This is really a moment in time when we have an unprecedented opportunity to dream big, said Dr. Cheri Blauwet.

It's a concept the three-time Olympian knows well. Dr. Blauwet medaled in Sydney, Bejing, and took home gold in Athens.

"I have seven total medals," she said, adding that her gold medal is her favorite.

The paralympian did it all from her wheelchair.

Blauwet says her unique experience drew her to lend her voice and support to the Boston2024 Olympic and Paralympic games bid.

The Paralympic Games, Blauwet says, reduces stigma by raising awareness to the talents of athletes with disabilities.

They also force host cities to step up accessibility for all.

"We can use this catalyst, this sort of deadline in many ways to think about our accessibility infrastructure," she said. "Making our community more open to not only wheel chair users but anyone that might have varying levels of mobility."

Blauet added that the city isn't perfect, and has an older infrastructure, but said "nothing works like a deadline" to get improvements moving.

The bid faces an uphill battle against meager public support. Last week Boston2024 unveiled bid 2.0. Blauwet believes changes in 2.0 came from listening to the communities, including those outside of Boston.

"There are many communities throughout the state that were and continue to be very excited about the opportunity to host a venue," she said.

It's an opportunity to take Boston's sports legacy international.

"The world suddenly brings its' eyes and lens to Boston to see how we can do it and how we can do it really well," she said.

Blauwet says  the conversation about boston hosting these games is positive regardless of the outcome, because it's forcing the city to think proactively.

It's a conversation she'll have many times as she knows the future of these games ultimately rests with the voters.

Boston2024 says it has acquired insurance to protect against cost overruns. They says public money will only be used for transportation and security costs.

Governor Baker has asked a private consulting firm to assess the risk to taxpayers. They haven't released a report yet.

0