As the value of experience is indisputable, inventorying and sharing Olympic legacy activation initiatives is one of the Union’s core activities. There are many ways of perpetuating the Olympic experience, and the richness of this collection lies in the diversity of the shared experiences of Olympic Cities. These different sources of inspiration perfectly reflect what the World Union of Olympic Cities is: a gathering of unique Cities and legacy entities that finds its genuine identity as a group where Members communicate and share. 

Various channels are used to share and promote the inspiring ideas collected:

The “Keeping the Flame Alive!” Olympic Legacy Toolkit gathers colourful, lively, and concrete examples of how Olympic Host Cities and legacy entities activate the Olympic legacy. It is a collection of inspiring stories from Olympic Hosts around the world who have successfully managed projects powered by the unique links between their Cities and the hosting of the Olympic Games.

Through six chapters, explore the endless possibilities of legacy activation:

• Educational Programmes: Valuing Olympic Spirit
• Culture, Tourism, and Sport: Showcasing legacy in Dedicated Places
• Events: Managing and Mobilising
• Celebrations: Celebrating the Past to Prepare the Future – Short Cases
• Celebrations and Legacy – Full Cases
• Governance: Dealing with Olympic Legacy

Interviews with Olympic Cities’ Mayors and other key actors are the best way to take the pulse of Cities and their actions. They enable us to pinpoint Members’ expectations of the Union and reveal what they wish to share in terms of activating the Olympic legacy. From Paris to Brisbane, from Dakar to Berlin, from Lake Placid to PyeongChang and many other City destinations, discover City representatives’ visions on what being an Olympic City means. Interviews with Olympic legacy stakeholders, including the IOC and legacy entities give insights into their views on how to collaborate and activate Olympic Legacy. A new series of joint interviews including Olympic Cities and legacy entities, starting with Lillehammer, Lillehammer Olympic Park, and Lillehammer Olympic Legacy Sports Centre opens a window on multistakeholder collaboration. 

Every month, the Union’s newsletter shares an inspiring story that feeds our blog, the inspiration box, and keeps Members up to date on legacy activation around the globe. This section is open to contributions, and any Olympic legacy actor is invited to contact us and share their projects, initiatives, and activities related to Olympic Legacy activation. These stories are spotted in the newsletter and on the Union’s website, enriching the collection of inspiring cases and best practices.

As for the IOC, “Olympic legacy includes the long-term benefits that the Olympic Games create for the Host City, its people, and the Olympic Movement before, during and long after the Olympic Games.” All IOC resources regarding Olympic Legacy, including cases studies, best practices, legacy stories, strategic plans, news, processes, are gathered here. To contact the Impact & Legacy Team, click here!