Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Games eye L.A. 'rebirth,' Kendrick Lamar role

Written by 
Published in Breaking News
Thursday, 20 March 2025 08:44

COSTA NAVARINO, Greece -- After deadly fires devastated much of Los Angeles, organizers of the 2028 Games told the International Olympic Committee on Thursday how the city will rebuild with their help.

Count on Kendrick Lamar, too, to be part of "the greatest show on earth" in three years.

"The rebirth, the rebuild, maybe reimagining L.A. 2.0 -- and the Olympics as a catalyst for all those things -- we think is really part of our ethos," organizing committee chairman Casey Wasserman told The Associated Press.

"You can't have a natural disaster at that scale in a city as big and as important as Los Angeles and not have it be part of your core philosophy going forward," he added before giving sports leaders an update at the IOC's annual meeting.

Lamar would be a globally popular part of the opening ceremony on July 14, 2028, after his stunning halftime show at the Super Bowl last month.

"Fortunately in my day job I represent Kendrick Lamar," said Wasserman, who heads an international talent and promotions agency. "He is truly an L.A. icon, so I think it would be a pretty fair bet that Kendrick will be involved in the Olympics in Los Angeles in some way."

The wildfires in January have reset the daily life and global perception of the city, though Olympic venues and operational plans escaped serious damage.

"From purely an Olympics perspective, we got very lucky. That's not the most important thing," Wasserman told the AP on Wednesday. "What's important is helping people get back into their homes, get back settled, get back with their lives."

Another expected challenge for Los Angeles organizers is ensuring athletes, officials and fans from every Olympic team feel welcome and safe going to the United States in what shapes to be a turbulent future for the world.

Wasserman said the United States "will be open and accepting" to all participating countries. He told the IOC and sports leaders on Thursday that his team has made "significant strides" with President Donald Trump's administration, which has security obligations for the Olympics and subsequent Paralympics.

"I have met with President Trump and his team both prior to his inauguration and again last month," Wasserman said. "We have a regular cadence across all federal agencies with leadership from the president to make sure that these Games deliver for all our constituents."

The U.S. visa program, and restrictions for more than 40 countries that should compete in Los Angeles, was the subject of a sharp question from IOC member Ingmar de Vos, the equestrian official who leads the collective group of Summer Games sports bodies. De Vos cited a "red list" ban on travel to the U.S. from 11 countries.

"I don't anticipate any, any problems from any countries to come and participate," Wasserman replied, noting the U.S. State Department has a "fully staffed desk" to help prepare. "In my many conversations with President Trump and Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio, they understand the scale and complexity required to deliver these Games, the access required for not just athletes but for delegations, and the incredibly short time frame on which to do those."

Wasserman insisted "with all due respect to FIFA," visa issues for the Olympics are more complicated than for the World Cup in men's soccer, which the U.S. is co-hosting next year with Canada and Mexico. His audience included IOC member Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president who has closely aligned himself with Trump.

IOC member Gene Sykes, who is also president of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, promised his city and nation will "extend warmth and respect" to all visitors.

"The recent tragic wildfires tested our community," Sykes said, "yet they illuminated our resilience and determination."

Read 57 times

Soccer

MLS investigating discrimination in Vancouver win

MLS investigating discrimination in Vancouver win

EmailPrintMLS announced it is aware of a reported violation of the league's Non-Discrimination Polic...

Source: Ancelotti, Pérez to hold Madrid exit talks

Source: Ancelotti, Pérez to hold Madrid exit talks

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCarlo Ancelotti will meet with Real Madrid president Florentino Pér...

Arsenal comeback over Lyon 'unexplainable' - boss

Arsenal comeback over Lyon 'unexplainable' - boss

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsArsenal reached their first Women's Champions League final in 18 ye...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Tatum again leads C's, features wrist in celebration

Tatum again leads C's, features wrist in celebration

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsORLANDO, Fla. -- Jayson Tatum sat on the court, grimaced and grabbe...

Ant zooms past 'gassed' Lakers to take 3-1 lead

Ant zooms past 'gassed' Lakers to take 3-1 lead

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMINNEAPOLIS -- With Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick keeping the...

Baseball

Giants' Ramos walks it off with little league HR

Giants' Ramos walks it off with little league HR

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- Heliot Ramos thought he'd just leg out an infield...

Fan ejected after taunting Red Sox OF Duran

Fan ejected after taunting Red Sox OF Duran

EmailPrintCLEVELAND -- Jarren Duran has found plenty of support from his Boston Red Sox teammates an...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated