Press Release | Partnership Begins in 2008 with Special Olympics Invitational Games
(16 January 2008 – Boise, Idaho) — The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Organizing Committee (GOC) is pleased to announce that Sun Valley Resort, the home to one of America’s premier ski resorts, will host two sports for the 2009 Games, as well as for its prelude, the 2008 Invitational Winter Games in February.
Sun Valley Resort will host Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing on the Sun Valley Resort Golf Course. Both sports were originally scheduled to be held at Bogus Basin Ski Resort in Boise. Changes were necessary after the Technical Delegates representing Special Olympics International (SOI) determined that due to technical reasons and space restrictions at Bogus Basin, that Sun Valley’s options better serves the needs required to host these world class events. Bogus Basin, already approved by international standards, will remain the competition venue for Alpine Skiing.
The goals of these changes are to ensure that all competitions are conducted at the best suited venues that meet the needs of the athletes and guests. The addition of Sun Valley, along with the surrounding regions of Ketchum and Hailey, allows the Games to better showcase the entire state of Idaho, as competition venues will now stretch from Tamarack Resort in the north, through Boise, to Sun Valley in the east – over 300 miles. The increase in exposure statewide with the inclusion of the Sun Valley region will also enhance the economic impact to the state, which has already been estimated to be in the $50 million range.
Beyond competition venues, the GOC plans for many programs and receptions associated with the Games, to be hosted in the Sun Valley area. This will also increase volunteer opportunities, allowing more Idahoans to be directly involved with the Games and the Special Olympics movement.
2008 Games Revised
While re-evaluating the scope and size of the 2008 Invitational Winter Games, it is also announced that the sports of Figure Skating (Qwest Arena) and Speed Skating (Idaho IceWorld), both scheduled as test events in 2008 in Boise, have been postponed until a later date in the year, but remain sports and venues for the 2009 Games.
In addition, Floor Hockey, originally planned for Caven-Williams Field House on the campus of Boise State University, will be relocated for the 2008 Games to the Student Recreation Centre. There were challenges regarding the crown of the surface floor and other support services at Caven-Williams, which affected the Games budget. The GOC is currently exploring other venue opportunities to host Floor Hockey for the 2009 Games. In 2008 and 2009, Boise State University will also host Opening and Closing Ceremonies, several programs, athlete entertainment, Healthy Athletes, and food services.
GOC Chairman and CEO, Chip Fisher states, “We are so fortunate to have such overwhelming support for our plans and what is best for the athletes in 2008 and 2009. We are lucky to have such a willingness to accommodate our needs and have great partners in Bogus Basin, Boise State University, Idaho IceWorld, Qwest Arena, Tamarack Resort and now Sun Valley Resort.”
The 2008 Special Olympics Invitational Winter Games are scheduled for February 25-28 and will include approximately 495 athletes and coaches from 10 foreign countries and four U.S. states, competing in five sports. The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will host 3000 athletes from 85 countries from February 6-13.
2008 Special Olympics Invitational Winter Games – Official Venues
Alpine Skiing – Bogus Basin Ski Resort, Boise, Idaho, USA
Cross-Country Skiing – Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley, Idaho, USA
Floor Hockey – Student Recreation Centre, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
Snowboarding – Tamarack Resort, Tamarack, Idaho, USA
Snowshoeing – Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley, Idaho, USA
Opening Ceremony – Taco Bell Arena, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
Closing Ceremony – Bronco Gymnasium, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games – Official Venues
Alpine Skiing – Bogus Basin Ski Resort, Boise, Idaho, USA
Cross-Country Skiing – Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley, Idaho, USA
Figure Skating – Qwest Arena, Boise, Idaho, USA
Floor Hockey – Site TBC, Idaho, USA
Snowboarding – Tamarack Resort, Tamarack, Idaho, USA
Snowshoeing – Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley, Idaho, USA
Speed Skating – Idaho IceWorld, Boise, Idaho, USA
Opening Ceremony – Taco Bell Arena, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
Closing Ceremony – Taco Bell Arena, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
For more information:
Michele Walker
Senior Director, Communications - 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, Boise, ID, USA
Phone: (208) 377 7168 ~ Mobile: (208) 602 2642
michele.walker@2009WorldGames.org / www.2009worldgames.org
Chip Fisher
Chairman and CEO — 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, Boise, ID, USA
Phone: (208) 377 7151 ~ Mobile: (208) 481 2999
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POSTED IN: Light the Torch, Olympic News, Special Olympics
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