A recent opinion column in the Globe by Dan Doctoroff highlights the advantages of simply pursuing a goal of Olympic greatness in Boston. Doctoroff led New York’s bid against eventual winner London for nine years. Although disappointed to not host the games, in retrospect he could find that the journey itself held many silver linings.
One of most visible being New York’s heralded High Line Park. Multiple projects were planned, approved and financed in the period leading up to the IOC’s final decision.
His column finishes by saying ..” great things happen when cities marry visionary ideas with political will…these opportunities do not happen often but Boston has one now.”
Even considering hosting the Olympics forces a city to “clean up their act”. Similar to hosting a party at your home, you must clear the cobwebs and put your best foot forward. It seems from a transportation, security and leadership point of view Boston will benefit from trying.
As in many things it is not the winning but the effort. The best lesson of sportmanship. Beware of those afraid to set their sights above sea level.
“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”
~ Baron Pierre de Coubertin