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Local Olympic athletes are intrigued by the possibility that Calgary might put forth a bid to land the 2026 Winter Games.

As first reported by Postmedia on Monday night, after Toronto dropped out of the running to bid on the 2024 Summer Games, a dogfight between Calgary and Quebec City is expected to unfold over Canada’s bid for the 2026 festivities.

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Postmedia reported that Calgary business and community leaders have been quietly meeting for more than 18 months about preparing a bid for those Games.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi confirmed the group’s existence to CBC on Tuesday, saying that he has already met with them and is willing to help bring the Olympics back to Calgary for the first time since 1988.

“Maybe 2026 will be our moment. Maybe not,” he told CBC. “As I say to many people … interesting idea, let’s flesh it out.

“It’s certainly a conversation that I’m open to having with folks with the federal and provincial governments but more important, with people in the community,” he added.