News Summary
Mission Viejo, California, has been chosen as the pre-Olympic training site for the Netherlands Olympic Team leading up to the Los Angeles Olympics. This development follows the City Council’s approval of a contract, allowing Team NL to utilize local training facilities. With significant amenities for multiple sports, including Olympic and Paralympic events, the training period is set for June to August. The decision is expected to enhance the local economy and bolster Mission Viejo’s reputation as a competitive training location for international athletes.
Mission Viejo, California, has been selected as the pre-Olympic training site for the Netherlands Olympic Team (Team NL) ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision marks a significant achievement for the city, as the City Council of Mission Viejo approved a 19-page contract with the Netherlands National Olympic Committee and the Netherlands Sports Federation, enabling them to utilize local training facilities.
In a recent vote, the council approved the agreement with a majority of 4-1, highlighting the city’s commitment to hosting international athletes. Under the terms of the agreement, the Dutch team will pay $1 million for the usage of training facilities, beginning with an initial payment of $50,000 that will incrementally increase to $250,000 by November 30, 2027.
The training facilities that will be provided include amenities catering to 20 Olympic sports and 11 Paralympic sports. The athletes from the Netherlands can utilize these facilities for pre-Olympic training from June 20 to July 10, 2028, as well as for pre-Paralympic training from July 20 to August 10, 2028. Key facilities committed for use include local high schools, community colleges, a golf course, and the Marguerite Aquatics Complex, which are expected to support the competitive readiness of Team NL.
In addition to Team NL, divers from Australia and France are expected to join for training, with discussions already underway for potential training camps in 2026 and 2027. Mission Viejo’s location, approximately 70 miles away from the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center, the venue for the diving events during the 2028 Olympics, makes it a strategically favorable choice for pre-Games preparations.
City leaders foresee that the presence of international athletes and their families will yield a substantial economic boost to Mission Viejo, benefiting local businesses and hotels. The warm community engagement and welcoming atmosphere were significant factors in Team NL’s decision to establish their training operations in the city.
Over the past five years, Mission Viejo officials have been actively pursuing such opportunities to host Olympic teams, even prior to the formal announcement of the LA28 Games. This proactive approach has laid the groundwork for the city’s emerging reputation as a competitive training location for global athletes.
Additionally, the agreement allows for continued supervision of USA Cricket national teams as they prepare for their anticipated inclusion in the Olympic Games. This multifaceted strategy emphasizes Mission Viejo’s goal to provide an environment conducive to focused training with minimal distractions, allowing athletes to excel in their respective sports while enjoying the city’s family-friendly atmosphere.
Mayor Bob Ruesch reflected on the city’s spirit and its long-standing history with Olympic events, noting that Mission Viejo previously hosted the cycling races during the 1984 Olympics. The combination of a rich Olympic heritage and a commitment to fostering international sporting excellence lays a promising foundation for Mission Viejo’s role as a significant training hub as the world gears up for the upcoming Olympic Games.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- Wikipedia: 2028_Summer_Olympics
- The Sports Examiner
- Google Search: Mission Viejo Olympics 2028
- SwimSwam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Olympic training facilities
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google News: Mission Viejo Dutch athletes 2028
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
