News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

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

For Immediate Release: March 19, 1997 Contact: Senator Robin Taylor 907/465-3873

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

Juneau -- The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing Friday, March 21, in Anchorage to discuss a resolution that supports naming Anchorage, Alaska the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games host. The hearing will be at 3:30 pm in the Anchorage Legislative Information Office at 716 W. 4th Avenue.

"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.

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. Special Olympics gives these athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience the joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

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.

"There are many reasons why Alaska is an ideal location for the Games," said Senator Drue Pearce, who serves on the Alaska Special Olympics Board of Governors. "Aside from having the ability, facilities, and resources to host the games, Alaska has an active Special Olympics program that will provide the enthusiasm needed to make this event a success.."

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