A few who have tossed their hats in the ring are pushing the idea that the University Games were a failure; an idea that’s far from the truth.

Yes, the event didn’t haul in massive crowds, a problem, in part, due to large-scale housing projects that were not realized, resulting in the Adirondack Sports Council having to house many athletes and officials in major hotels. However, the Olympic venues received significant upgrades, bringing them to the highest international standards. Those upgrades enabled the state Olympic Regional Development Authority to host Nordic events planned for Vermont (we had snowmaking, and they didn’t) and host a World Cup Ski Jumping championship that flooded the region with visitors who shopped and dined heartily.

The renovated jumping hills and the World Cup event got such rave reviews Lake Placid will be hosting another this year. Indeed, the biathlon/cross country and speed skating venues were also rated amongst the best in the world by athletes, coaches, and FISU. Not to be outdone, the upgraded Saranac Lake Civic Center blew people away. The curling athletes were amazed by the ice quality and loved the crowds that packed the hall.

The Olympic Center was totally renovated, the new Mount Van Hoevenberg base lodge built complete with an indoor ice house (start practice track) that’s attracting teams from the world over, plus the climbing wall has been a hit with area kids. All facility and venue upgrades will enable ORDA to operate them more efficiently and extend our seasons.

Not to be forgotten is that our community was tested with multiple thaws before, during, and after the University Games, yet all events were held. Stefano Lo Russo, the mayor of Torino, Italy, host of the 2025 University Games, was amazed that our small communities delivered under such challenging circumstances that included upgrading the venues during the coronavirus pandemic. He had difficulty comprehending that Lake Placid was a small village, not a city. Finally, millions watched the events worldwide, and our region received terrific positive publicity.

So, while the attendance of the University Games was modest, the upgrades, the positive publicity, the spirit and goodwill generated by our region’s volunteers, businesses, community leaders, and others will enhance our region’s economic well-being for decades to come.

Naj Wikoff

Keene Valley