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By Paul Carter
'Mormon' Olympics Just a Year Away
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- With the Opening Ceremonies to the 2002
Winter Games just one year away today (Thursday), the Denver Rocky
Mountain News offered 3 and 1/3 pages in its Sunday Sports section on
several aspects of the games. Topics include the readiness of the
venues, tips on getting to games, comments on the bid scandal, and
what to expect from "The Mormon Presence".
The article begins with the suggestion that perhaps Salt Lake City
hasn't yet caught the spirit of the Olympics and presents a sampling
of answers to a question that must have been similar to, "So, what do
you think about the Olympics coming to town?"
A few responses of Salt Lake citizens, as quoted in the article:
"It doesn't mean much to me -- more traffic."
"To tell the truth, I'm kind of disgusted -- look at all the money
they've spent."
"The Olympics? It's going to be here?"
"I'll be gone on a (Mormon) mission. I'm glad I'll miss it."
The article does draw more serious attention to the Games. A good
description of each of the venues is offered, each with its current
construction status. The expected financial solvency of the Salt
Lake Games is mentioned as are concerns some reporters have raised
about the availability of alcoholic drinks. The current plans and
legal requirements for attendees to buy beer, wine, and liquor during
the Games is outlined.
Before concluding with comments on the Olympic Village for athletes,
the article offers mentions by Scott Givens, who is responsible for
the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. In response to the question of
who will light the Olympic Flame during the Opening Ceremony, he
says, "Ultimately, that's a decision that will be made among the
senior management of the organizing committee, much, much later on.
Part of it is dependent on how we light the cauldron....The Opening
Ceremony is tough, because so much of it we want to be a magical
surprise."
Source
A Pinch of Salt Lake City
Denver CO Rocky Mountain News 4Feb01 S1
By Paula Parrish
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