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The Church hosts IOC President Thomas Bach ahead of 2034 Winter Olympics

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | × The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints

Several leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), at Temple Square in Salt Lake City on September 27, 2024. Bach was accompanied by IOC Director General Christophe de Kepper and Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi.

A delegation for the 2034 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City also attended. This group included Fraser Bullock, president and CEO of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games; committee chair Catherine Raney Norman; Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall; Don Stirling from the Miller Group; and Kenneth Rooks, a silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Games.

The meeting took place in the Church Administration Building with President Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with emeritus General Authority Elder Donald L. Hallstrom.

President Holland stated, “No one will be more supportive of these Olympics than we will. We’re thrilled to contribute in any way we can. We want you to feel that there’s no more hospitable place in the United States — or on this planet — than you have here.”

Church leaders highlighted Utah's strong spirit of volunteerism as a valuable asset for the upcoming games, referencing its success during the 2002 Winter Olympics. They also mentioned former missionaries who speak various languages as potential cultural ambassadors.

Bach responded positively: “Thank you for highlighting the volunteers. This is one of the values we share with your Church. It’s about unity. It’s about volunteerism. It’s about one global world. It’s about peace."

Mayor Mendenhall noted that over 100 languages are spoken within just the Salt Lake City School District alone.

During their visit, church leaders presented Bach with a four-generation chart of his ancestors and a leather-bound copy of the Book of Mormon, while Bach gifted President Holland a set of Olympic rings.

Following Salt Lake City's successful bid to host the 2034 Olympic Winter Games, The First Presidency expressed support: “We stand ready to support...the Church is committed to efforts that make Salt Lake a host city that embodies values of service, cooperation and mutual respect.”