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In a whirlwind visit to Calgary, just three weeks ahead of a plebiscite on the Olympics, members of the International Olympic Committee are urging Calgarians to embrace the Games once again.

Speaking to reporters at Canada Olympic Park on Wednesday, IOC executive director Christophe Dubi said Calgary already has all the expertise and nearly all the infrastructure it needs to host another Olympics. He also said Calgary’s “low-risk” bid fits well with the IOC’s goal to decrease the financial burden on potential host countries.

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“Let’s make sure we create the opportunity for Calgary to shine once more on the world stage. This would be fantastic for Calgary, but it would be great for the Games as well,” Dubi said.

But while IOC officials were happy to heap praise on Calgary’s bid, they also made it clear the organization won’t be offering any more money to cover the cost of hosting in 2026.

The IOC has pledged US$925 million to the host city of the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Dubi said the organization isn’t in a position to sweeten the pot any further.

“As a non-profit, we don’t have the financial reserves that allow us to commit outside of what we can today,” Dubi said.

“The $925 (million) is the absolute maximum that we can go to.

“It’s not a lack of willingness. We are funding the whole sports movement and we keep, as IOC, what is needed to cover our operations.”