Mitt Romney to Join Celebration for Olympic Anniversary in Salt Lake City

Fraser Bullock, former chief operating officer of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC), and the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation today announced that presidential contender Mitt Romney will make a special appearance on Feb. 18 in Salt Lake City to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Romney, former president and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC), will join former Olympians by speaking at the 7 p.m. "A Tribute to Salt Lake 2002 featuring Stars on Ice" show at the Energy Solutions Arena. The show will feature Olympic gold medalist figure skater Sarah Hughes, Canadian pair Jamie Salé and David Pelletier, who won the gold medal at the 2002 Salt Lake Games; World Champion and six-time U.S. National Champion Todd Eldredge; and a host of other athletes.

Tickets for the "A Tribute to Salt Lake 2002 featuring Stars on Ice" show start at $20, and can be purchased online at www.smithtix.com, by phone at 801.355.seat (7328) or at the EnergySolutions Arena box office.

"The greatness of achievement is measured in the fire and passion of dreamers," Romney said. "The 2002 Olympic Games taught us that our aspirations can become reality. The 3,500 athletes and more than 50,000 members of Team 2002 dared to make their dreams real. I salute the people of Salt Lake City that made these Olympic Winter Games the best in history."

Early on, the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games faced several challenges including an uncertain financial outlook and the prospect of being cancelled following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. By the end of the competition, critics praised the event as one of the most successful Winter Olympic Games ever held. More than 2 billion worldwide viewers watched the Games. Instead of leaving a deficit, $100 million in net profit was generated. In addition, the U.S. earned 34 medals. The previous high for medals for the U.S. was 13. Salt Lake City was the first to host both the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

"Mitt Romney has experience turning around tough situations and the Salt Lake Games were no exception," said Bullock. "Mitt did an exceptional job at leading Team 2002 to victory. The Salt Lake 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were one of the most profitable Games ever. We are very grateful that he would take the time to interrupt his presidential campaign to join us for this 10th anniversary celebration."

The anniversary commemoration officially kicks off on Feb. 8 with a "Relighting the Flame" ceremony and media event at the 2002 Olympic Cauldron Park at the south end of the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium. This location is home to the iconic cauldron that was lit during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

In addition to the "Relighting the Flame" ceremony, on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. a free 10-Year Anniversary Sport Festival will be held in the streets of The Gateway shopping center in downtown Salt Lake City. During the outdoor sport festival, participants will have an opportunity to meet winter Olympic athletes, participate in interactive winter sport demonstrations and view commemorative exhibits about the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Complete information about all 10th Anniversary events & activities can be found at www.saltlake2002.com.

For more information, contact: Amanda@methodcommunications.com

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