News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: April 3, 1997 Contact: Senator Robin Taylor 907/465-3873

Senate Supports Anchorage Bid To Host The 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games

Juneau -- The Alaska State Senate unanimously passed legislation to support naming Anchorage, Alaska the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games host.

"Hosting the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Anchorage could bring as many as 6,000 winter visitors to Alaska," said Senator Taylor (R-Wrangell), sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 19.

The committee for the Special Olympics World Winter Games, Alaska is preparing for a site inspection April 12-16 to determine whether Anchorage is a suitable location for the Games. In addition, the committee is developing its strategy for Alaska’s bid presentation scheduled in May.

"The strong support this venture has received from the state Legislature and Senator Ted Stevens, who has agreed to be honorary chairman of the committee, will boost Alaska’s chances to secure the bid," said Bill Elander, President and CEO of the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau which is helping to coordinate the bid effort.

Patti McGuire, committee chairperson, said that at this time, Alaska is the number one contender. "It is our bid to lose!" McGuire said.

"This will be the largest event Anchorage has ever hosted and will show the world what kind of place Alaska is and what kind of people Alaskans are," said McGuire. "I am convinced the entire Alaskan community will be a better place as a result of this event."

In addition to 6,000 winter visitors, Senator Taylor noted the many positive benefits the state would gain from holding the Games in the Alaska.

• Expand and strengthen Alaska’s Special Olympics program
• Increase the program’s ability to reach out to Alaska’s more rural areas and indigenous people.
• Improve and enhance many of Alaska’s existing winter sports facilities and programs.
• Bring Alaska International Winter Attention.
• Move Anchorage closer as a future Olympic City Contender.
• Establish a strong host and volunteer program.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games is an international event that plays a crucial role in fulfilling the Special Olympics Mission -- to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children eight years of age and older as well as adults with mental retardation.

Every four years, the Special Olympics World Winter Games takes place in a participating host city. The official events include: Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, and Speed Skating. Snowshoeing was a demonstration sport at the 1997 games in Toronto, Canada and Snowboarding may be a possible official sport in the 2001 games.

"An integral part of the quest to locate the Games in Alaska is to give Special Olympians from around the world the opportunity to experience the joy of competition, demonstrate courage and share in the gifts, skills and friendship that personify Special Olympics International," Taylor said.

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