NEW YORK, ⁠June 22 (Reuters) - New York state has formed an exploratory committee ⁠looking into the potential for Lake Placid and New York ‌City to co-host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2042, the governor's office said on Monday.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul pointed to the 2026 Milano Cortina Games ​as a model for a dual-city Olympics ⁠in her announcement. Lake Placid ⁠hosted the Games in 1932 and 1980.

"The time is now to return ⁠the ‌Olympic flame back to New York," Hochul said in a statement.

"It’s clear we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on ⁠Lake Placid's Olympic legacy, New York City's global ​platform and the strengths ‌that make our State unique."

The exploratory committee will begin a ⁠year-long assessment ​of a potential bid that would add yet another global sports mega-event to the United States' busy calendar.

The U.S. is co-hosting the ongoing World Cup ⁠with Mexico and Canada, with New York ​New Jersey stadium hosting eight matches including the final, while Los Angeles is preparing to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

A combined bid for the 2031 ⁠Women's World Cup would see the United States co-host the tournament with Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica, while the Winter Olympics return to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2034.

"I’ve assembled some of the best ​and the brightest in sports, government and community ⁠leadership to take the steps necessary to ensure New York is in ​the best possible position to make the ‌dream of a Lake Placid-New York ​City Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games a reality," said Hochul.

(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; editing by Clare Fallon)