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Boise, Idaho -- (27 May 2008) – World Winter Games CEO and Chairman Chip Fisher announced today the confirmation of dates and venues for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held February 7-13, 2009, and competition events will take place at the following venues:
EVENT Alpine Skiing Figure Skating Floor Hockey Speed Skating Cross-Country Skiing Snowboarding Snowshoeing |
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LOCATION Bogus Basin (Boise, Idaho) Qwest Arena (Boise, Idaho) Expo Idaho (Boise, Idaho) Idaho Ice World (Boise, Idaho) Sun Valley Resort Nordic Center (Sun Valley, Idaho) Dollar Mountain (Sun Valley, Idaho) Ponderosa State Park (McCall, Idaho) |
Additionally, Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be held at the Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho.
"This announcement is another step in the right direction for the World Winter Games,"said Fisher. "We are making great progress in the planning stages and preparing to put on the best Games the world has ever seen."
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"The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games is the opportunity of a lifetime, placing Idaho on the world's stage,"said Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch"Otter. "The inclusion of venues across southwestern Idaho will give the Games a greater reach, allowing more Idaho residents the opportunity to be a part of this epic event, something we should all be proud to support as Idahoans. Between the scenic beauty of our state and the hospitality of our people, there is no doubt in my mind that when Idaho welcomes the world next year, our state will shine."
Though some venues have been altered including Opening and Closing Ceremonies sites, as well as Floor Hockey, Snowboarding and Snowshoeing, the goal of these changes is to ensure that all competitions are conducted at the best suited venues that meet the needs of the athletes and guests, as well as to better serve the needs required to host these world class events.
"After careful consideration, I am confident we have chosen the best venues and locations to serve as successful sites for this world-class event,"said Fisher. "There are opportunities for communities around the state to get involved and we look forward to welcoming the world to Idaho."
With the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games venues finalized, the state of Idaho continues to prepare for the arrival of international athletes, delegates, coaches, families, officials and fans that will travel to Idaho for the Games this February.
"Hosting the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games creates a rare and wonderful opportunity for Idaho to host visitors from around the world,"said Bobbie Patterson, Executive Director, Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Selecting competition venues in different parts of the state will allow more Idaho residents to take an active part in these Games, both as volunteers and spectators. The economic impact of the Games will be significant, but the lasting memories will have the highest value to our state and its people."
About the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games: The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Idaho, USA, February 7-13, 2009 and will include up to 3,000 athletes from more than 100 countries and 6,000 volunteers. Competition will take place in seven winter sports — Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Speed Skating. Competition and other activities will take place in communities and venues throughout Idaho.
CONTACT: Justine Sgalio, Manager, Media Relations and Communications 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games +1 208.919.1062 Justine.Sgalio@2009WorldGames.org http://www.2009worldgames.org/
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