Idaho (USA) to Host 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games

Idaho (USA) to Host 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "
Wednesday May 17, 9:42 am ET
WASHINGTON, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Special Olympics global headquarters announced today that Idaho (USA) will be the host site for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, after a decision was made by the International Special Olympics Board of Directors at their meeting on May 16. Similar in size to a Winter Olympics, the 2009 World Winter Games will attract more than 2,000 athletes from 100 nations to compete in seven Olympic-type sports. Other finalist sites were: Reno-Tahoe (Nevada, USA); Schladming-Graz (Austria) and Garmisch Partenkirchen (Germany).

Following in the footsteps of Nagano, Japan, the host of the 2005 World Winter Games and joining Shanghai, China, the host of the upcoming 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, this event will be the largest multi- sport event ever held in the state of Idaho. Possible sports venues include Tamarack Resort, Bogus Basin, Taco Bell Arena, Qwest Arena, Idaho Ice World, Boise Centre on the Grove and Boise State University

'After review of a comprehensive bid proposal and a visit by the Special Olympics World Games site selection committee, it was proven that Idaho provides excellent sports venues, incredible community support and unprecedented passion for the athletes of our movement,' said Jimmy Carnes, Special Olympics Board Member and Chair of the World Games Site Selection Committee.

'Special Olympics World Winter Games provide a global stage for our athletes to showcase their talents and we invite the world to join our world of welcome -- a world of inclusion and mutual respect, without bias or prejudice,' more