Mission Viejo is serving as an example to other CA cities after its historic agreement with Netherlands Olympic Committee (TeamNL)
![teamnl signs contract with mayor pro tem bob ruesch and councilmember brian goodell](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-08/teamnl-signs-mv.png.webp?itok=uU3BXZu7)
After Mission Viejo was selected as the Netherlands Olympic Committee’s (TeamNL) primary pre-games training site for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sports Travel Magazine wrote about this remarkable forward-thinking process that has put Mission Viejo once again on the international stage.
The article notes that while TeamNL was impressed by Mission Viejo’s “fantastic infrastructure,” the team is hoping to embrace and become part of a community over the next four years.
“We were also looking for warmth, for hospitality, and for passion for sports,” said Andre Cats, TeamNL High Performance and Games Director. “And we are very sure that we found that in your beautiful place.”
The General Agreement with TeamNL was signed last week, and once the excitement of the Paris Olympic Games recedes, additional agreements will be developed.
“During a recent meeting, the Dutch gave a presentation that demonstrated the great economic opportunity for the City of Mission Viejo as well as the value they see in engaging with residents and our schools,” said Mayor Pro Tem Bob Ruesch, who signed the agreement.
Facilities in Mission Viejo will serve as TeamNL’s training spots for sports including athletics, swimming, and team sports such as handball and volleyball, among others.
On the heels of the recent TV news coverage and other articles about Mission Viejo’s groundbreaking efforts leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, multiple California cities have contacted the City seeking advice on how they can follow suit in launching similar efforts.
“What an honor and privilege it is to represent the people of Mission Viejo in the signing of the General Agreement with the Olympic Committee of the Netherlands … this is an effort that will be historical for our City and benefit our community in countless ways for generations to come,” Mayor Pro Tem Ruesch said.
Comments
Wow and Great Dennis and…
Wow and Great Dennis and Council
How about cycling Too?
Missing my old Hometown.
D R
Here are the expected…
Here are the expected obligations per party - not much different from what Goodell introduced at the July 9 council meeting:
NOC*NSF will provide and/or identify the following:
1. The participating sports, as approved jointly by Mission Viejo
2. Air travel support for athletes, coaches and support personnel
3. Specific training hours and other required schedules
4. Required training equipment and training partner requests (if applicable)
5. Specific transportation required for arrivals, Village departures and during training
6. The number of accommodation nights and meals required for each program
7. A commitment to participate in any local community programs and festivities
8. Participant media availability as appropriately requested including social media
9. Participant travel and medical insurance
10. Other general needs such as dietary and language assistance
Mission Viejo will offer, assist and/or provide the following (full support provided in 2028):
1. Access to City-owned or managed training facilities at minimal cost
2. Direct discussion with other training facilities to negotiate best rates for the NOC*NSF
3. Direct discussion with hotels to negotiate best room and meals rates for the NOC*NSF
4. A daily participant rate paid by NOC*NSF directly to the City to include all requested costs
5. Priority facility and venue access based on prior approved training schedules
6. Required sports equipment and training partners as requested and available
7. Airport transfers to the City with John Wayne Airport preferred (unless other airport
service is requested as pre-approved by both parties including any additional costs)
8. Transportation to training facilities in and around Mission Viejo based on pre-approved
schedules and to the UCLA Athletes’ Village (2028 Games only)
9. Social and community opportunities such as welcome ceremonies and team sendoffs
10. A commitment to provide a safe and secure training and living environment
From page 2, here is a list…
From page 2, here is a list of the expected obligations per party:
NOC*NSF will provide and/or identify the following:
1. The participating sports, as approved jointly by Mission Viejo
2. Air travel support for athletes, coaches and support personnel
3. Specific training hours and other required schedules
4. Required training equipment and training partner requests (if applicable)
5. Specific transportation required for arrivals, Village departures and during training
6. The number of accommodation nights and meals required for each program
7. A commitment to participate in any local community programs and festivities
8. Participant media availability as appropriately requested including social media
9. Participant travel and medical insurance
10. Other general needs such as dietary and language assistance
Mission Viejo will offer, assist and/or provide the following (full support provided in 2028):
1. Access to City-owned or managed training facilities at minimal cost
2. Direct discussion with other training facilities to negotiate best rates for the NOC*NSF
3. Direct discussion with hotels to negotiate best room and meals rates for the NOC*NSF
4. A daily participant rate paid by NOC*NSF directly to the City to include all requested costs
5. Priority facility and venue access based on prior approved training schedules
6. Required sports equipment and training partners as requested and available
7. Airport transfers to the City with John Wayne Airport preferred (unless other airport
service is requested as pre-approved by both parties including any additional costs)
8. Transportation to training facilities in and around Mission Viejo based on pre-approved
schedules and to the UCLA Athletes’ Village (2028 Games only)
9. Social and community opportunities such as welcome ceremonies and team sendoffs
10. A commitment to provide a safe and secure training and living environment
Great opportunity to…
Great opportunity to interact with the community and the community to get involved with a world class sports organization. Nice!
Exciting to see the team…
Exciting to see the team that ranked #6 at the Paris Olympics come to Mission Viejo, and bring the spirit of the Olympics back to Mission Viejo!