International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry visited Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, to meet with schoolchildren and state officials as Utah continues preparations for the 2034 Winter Olympics. During the visit, Coventry participated in an Olympic-themed assembly at Washington Elementary School to promote the values of the Games through a new statewide education initiative.
Educational Values in Schools
The assembly at Washington Elementary School featured an Olympic-style opening ceremony, with students marching like athletes and teachers waving flags. Coventry, a former two-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer, spoke to the students about her experience competing for Zimbabwe at five Olympic Games. She emphasized the importance of excellence, friendship, and respect as core Olympic values.
Champion Schools Initiative
The event was part of Champion Schools 34, a statewide education initiative launched by Utah 2034 in partnership with Ken Garff for Good. Amy Garff, chair of the Utah 2034 Education Committee, noted the importance of introducing these values to children early. "It's so important that we teach these values to these kids and if we start now? That's the best," Garff said.
Student Participation
Students at Washington Elementary participated in the program by using battery-powered tea lights to symbolize the Olympic flame. Fourth grader Miriya Petersen, who participated in the event, said it was "pretty cool" to talk to Paralympian snowboarder Joe Pleban in front of an audience that included Coventry. Petersen added that having the IOC president there was also "pretty cool."
Meeting State Leadership
Coventry's visit included a meeting with Governor Spencer Cox and other state and local leaders at the Governor's Mansion earlier in the day. In a statement, Governor Cox described Coventry as "an impressive leader" and expressed interest in working with her on the upcoming Games. Other officials in attendance at the school assembly included Utah First Lady Abby Cox and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall.
Upcoming Tour Schedule
The IOC president's itinerary in Utah is expected to include a tour of the Utah Olympic Park near Park City, a visit to the Salt Lake City Sports Complex to watch Utah's only all-girls hockey organization practice, and meetings with Utah 2034 organizers at the University of Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Preparations for 2034
Utah 2034 CEO Brad Wilson stated that preparations for the Games are progressing well and expressed confidence that the state will be ready to host the world. The 2034 Winter Olympics are approximately eight years away, and organizers are focused on upgrading venues and ensuring infrastructure is ready for the international event.
A Personal Connection to Sport
Coventry, who was elected to lead the Switzerland-based IOC last year, noted that spending time with schoolchildren is one of the best parts of her role. "We all start somewhere," she said, reflecting on her own upbringing in sports. "And I remember, when I was growing up, I started playing lots of different sports at school. ... That's really where the community, the love and the passion grew from."
