Winter Olympics- Looking Into 2006

Well On the Road to Success

2005-12-12T18:41:00.000-05:00

The IOC Coordination Commission has been conducting their review preparations for the Torino 2006 Games. Chairman Hean-Claude Killy said: "In terms of the seven years it takes to work on hosting the Olympic Games, the Opening Ceremony for Torino 2006 is now only a moment away. In and around Turin, great preparation work has been accomplished. The IOC is confident that one final effort from the Torino 2006 team, working as one, will lead to wonderfully successful Games. The world's best winter sports athletes deserve nothing less."

In an effort to prepare, public authorities have been working hand-in-hand to successfully complete the necessary tasks and to stay on focused on organization. In addition to the cooperation and efforts of local administrators, the Torch is expected to arouse the deep roots of sports passion that runs within the veins of Italians. A festive time of action and spirit is beginning to fan the Torch's flame and will show its full potential in about 60 days.

The preparation, taking almost six to seven years now, is finally coming to fruition, thanks in part to the IOC's ability to "get the show on the road." They are pretty confident in the public's anticipation and satisfaction with what has been accomplished. I only wish I could be there to see it in person!

Medals and more...

2005-12-12T14:20:00.000-05:00

(picture supplied by Olympic site)

Olympic medals have been created and casted! Just take a look at this gorgeous picture! They have definitely impressed me by their design and creativity.

Presented to the IOC, the concept was created by the TOROC graphic team and Ottaviani International. A round design with an empty space in the center represents the Italian piazza. The medal will be wrapped in its ribbon, and presents the elements of the Games on its front and will display the individual sport division on the back. There are even satin and shiny finishes that complement one another within the design.

The medals were designed to incorporate the "views, ideas, and models" from Italian history and its traditional forms of "rings, ancient coins, and ornaments." The round center representing the piazza also symbolizes the heart of the athelte when it hangs around the atheletes neck and lays upon his or her heart.

Being a beginning designer and having a love for design myself, I think that the incorporated views and ideas to create these medals has come from the heart of the Italians desire for passion. I think the atheletes who achieve their place as medalists will fall in love with their rewards for hard and heart-earned effort!

Whole New World

2005-12-12T13:28:00.000-05:00

The upcoming opening and closing ceremonies for the XX Winter Games have been assured to give the public a spectacular performance. Sneak peaks have been released including, but not nearly limited to the following:

Appearances and performances by Giorgio Armani and dancer Roberto Bolle, "Sparks of Passion" show of "flying" athletes and sparks of fire, and the three elements of passion, "Italianness," and dynamism. All will take place in the newly renovated Turin Olympic Stadium.

An exciting time for the people of Europe and especially the Italians is coming up where they can show the world what they're all about. Their passion for life and competition should be an eye-opener to those who would think otherwise, but I think the effort they're putting into these Olympic Games will show some of their core values.

The ceremonies should be very impressive. From the previous ones that I have seen, most recently the ones from Salt Lake City, there is no shortage of amazement. What designers and choreographers accomplish for the audiences is breathtaking. I hope that the people of Italy strike us with amazement once again!

Heart of a Volunteer

2005-12-12T13:13:00.000-05:00

Volunteering. A heart for passion and a purpose. That's what the Noi2006 Team is striving towards for this year's Olympics. Being the "heart of the Games," the Torino volunteers will be busy having big and small chores to accomplish throughout the December, January, February months.

Ranging from reception, to accreditation, ticketing, track and prep work, and press services are just some of the many 350 different jobs that are required for the success of the Torino Olympic Games. These people, whether they be on the TV screen or behind the scenes are the ones who make the Olympics possible.

Isn't that the beauty of volunteering? Working behind the scenes is not only fun, but it gives you the quiet satisfaction of a job well-done, a job that couldn't have been accomplished without you. So in a way, it is a positive way to have a sense of pride and satisfaction; a chance to really be a part of such a great selection of events.

The more I've thought about the opportunity to be a volunteer, the more I want to take the chance and volunteer at the next set of Winter Olympics. Who knows? Maybe when 2012 rolls around, I'll be able to take a trip up to Vancouver, Canada for a LONG vacation and be a part of the Games! What a story that would be...

And It's Off!

2005-11-27T16:14:00.000-05:00

From 776 B.C. up to today, November 27th, 2006, the Olympic values of "loyalty, brotherhood, peace and unity among peoples," has continued through the official lighting of the Torch.

The official lighting of the torch took place this morning in Athens, Greece, and will begin it's journey through this great country, fly to Italy on a C-130, arrive in Rome, and then begin it's trek to Torino. It is scheduled to stop at a long list of Italian provinces to tell the country and world of the upcoming XX Games.

What an exciting time for the torch to begin it's journey! I just got back from my Thanksgiving break, and seeing this headline was something that made my eyes twinkle. The thought of all these sports competitions in the snow, or on ice... Amazing!!!

I've always grown up in a town where there is snow in the winter. I've grown to have respect for winter sports. Maybe this is why this topic is so interesting and exciting to me. I hope that in the next few weeks, you, my readers will be able to taste a little of the passion for the Olympics. I don't think I have stressed the passion the atheletes have for their sports enough. Olympians trains months and years day in and day out for just 17 days of competition. Seventeen days. That's it. Seventeen intense days where if you give anything less than 100% effort and passion, you don't win. But winning isn't the sole point, now is it? It's the experience of seeing the worlds best athletes compete side by side. And for someone to say, "Yeah, I skated with Kristi Yamaguchi," or "I competed with the world's greatest bobsled team," leaves Olympians in a state of awe and humility.

So, I hope you get the chance to find, or continue reading up on this great sporting event. It's a once in a lifetime experience you won't regret!

Wishing upon a star... or live video streaming...

2005-11-25T09:22:00.000-05:00

The Olympic ads have begun! Since I was home this week for Thanksgiving break, I was able to watch a t.v. here and there... and POOF! There was an ad for the Olympics on! It got me that much more excited about this February! Being a college student, and not having a whole lot of "tube-time," I'm really hoping I will be able to get some sort of t.v. in my room for the duration of the Winter Games... If I don't... I will be highly disappointed.

So here's a question I'd like to answer in the next few weeks: will there be video streaming of the games so I can watch in on broad-band?? This would be amazing! No fuzzing t.v. screen because the "rabbit ears" arent' working and because we don't have a dish for the dorm. Just clear video streaming from Italy itself on my P.C. That would be amazing.

So like I said, it's a question I want to answer in the next few weeks... if I don't have to buy a t.v. before the end of Christmas break, I don't want to! There's just too much available through the Web! Why not use what we already have?!

Stay tuned in!

News Update

2005-11-11T15:45:00.000-05:00

Alrighty! Time is now winding down, or rather winding up until the Olympic torch starts it's journey and about 100 days till the start of the winter games!
On the US Olympic Team official website, there are last minute "hopefuls" that are waiting to compete and show their true talents. The next question will be whether or not they will be able to complete the tasks set before them in the next 100 days.
Among the anticipated athletes are: figure skaters Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen, skiers Bode Miller and Jeremy Bloom, speed skaters Apolo Ohno and Shani Davis, and bobsledder Vonetta Flowers. All of these atheletes have gone through much ordeal in recent months and years ranging from personal injuries, family life and tragedies, missing qualifications for competitions and just the daily struggles of improving technicalities within their sports. It will be interesting and exciting to see these athletes overcome their troubles and get back "in the groove," as it were. To read up on more of what's happening in these potential Olympians, check out www.usolympicteam.com/117_40187.htm @ the US Team's site. (Pictures from www.usolympicteam.com)

In other news regarding "last-minute" finishing touches to the Olympic sites in Torino...
-testing for the hockey rinks, one of the last to be built: tournaments for both men & women to be held soon.
-checking curves to the luge tracks: injuries @ a previous event
-completing speedskating tracks in time to be tested
-IOC & Italian officials working through law enforcement policies
-securing budget and avoiding cuts that could produce set-backs

Skating from the Heart

2005-11-08T18:33:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take at least one post to say a little about Sergei and Katerina Gordeeva. The magnificent skating pair was one of the best on the ice and their love for one another ran deeper than most would ever know. Growing up together, the two became partners at a fairly early age, eventually married, and had a baby girl: Daria.

But one day in November 1995 would change this skating pair and family's life forever. In a practice session in Lake Placid, NY, Sergei died of a heart attack, leaving Katia alone in the skating realm. Throughout the pain, Katia continued to skate and tributed the couple's life and skating career in the NY Best Seller: My Sergei.

In a very memorable tribute on ice, Katia skated the last of the program. At the end of a very emotional program, Daria came out on the ice and Katia took the last part of Sergei she had left her in her arms. It was an occasion that I'm sure both of them will always look back upon & never forget.

I haven't had the chance to read her book yet, but I have it in my posession and am planning to read it in the next few months. It's inspirational to see a couple who won multiple gold medals at the Olympics and had such a love for one another. I hope that Sergei & Katia's legacy lives on in the sport of skating and that the Olympic athletes see this story as one to encourage their efforts and passion for their sport.

Traveling Olympic Passion

2005-10-30T16:52:00.000-05:00

"Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games and more" is traveling all over the world (Strasbourg, Beijing, Aichi, Helsinki, Vancouver, London, Lausanne) to convey the uniqueness of the Olympic Games and its Values, to communicate the positive identity of the Torino 2006 edition, and to highlight the Italian culture together with the strong character of the City and the surrounding territory hosting the Games." --Official Site of Torino 2006 Olympics

Starting on the 26th of October and continuing on through the 31st, the promoting of the Winter Games arrives in New York City. Hosted by Time Warner, the program has high hopes to transmit to the public the values and goals of the Olympics, as well as spread their "Passion" theme.

The exhibit will include three sections:
1.) Design & Building Sports
2.) Olympic Winter Games, History, and Values
3.) The Olympic Territory

The goal of these traveling exhibits not only will engage the public to be excited about the upcoming Games, but to have a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the sports, cultures and countries involved!

From Bob Marley to Bobsledding

2005-10-30T15:57:00.000-05:00

Ever seen the movie "Cool Runnings" about the Olympic bobsled team from Jamacia? This movie was based on the debut team from the tropics was a favorite to the crowds for the 1988 Olympics at Calgary. Who would've ever thought that a team from an Island in the Atlantic would bring a bobsled team to the Winter Olympics? Although the Jamacians didn't place at this set of Olympics there is the amazing fact that ever since 1988, they've shown the rest of the world that they're not joking. In 1994, they placed 14th ahead of the American teams! Known for it's fast sprinters, Jamacia actually would be an ideal country to send such a team, (seeing as how the "running start" for bobsled teams takes a great deal of speed and stamina.) So, maybe this coming February will bring us a surprise from Jamacia; not only it's reggae and dreads, but maybe a medal team.

Miracle on Ice; Renewed Hope

2005-10-26T20:56:00.000-04:00

Another favorite Olympic memory that I absolutely love to reminisce over would be that of the US Hockey Team defeating the Soviet Union and going on to win the gold medal. In a time where American morale was far and few between, the Cold War was approaching it's peak and a shaken economy was taking hold of our country's heart, the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York, held a glimmer of hope for a people in dire need of uplifting.

(picture from: http://espn.go.com/classic/s/miracle_ice_1980.html)

"For people who were born between 1945 and 1955, they know where they were when John Kennedy was shot, when man walked on the moon, and when the USA beat the Soviet Union in Lake Placid."-Dave Ogrean, former executive director of USA Hockey

The Soviet Union whose hockey team was champions for several straight years in a row, was shocked by the United States' comback in Placid, when only weeks before they had defeated them in a 10-3 disaster at Madison Square Garden. For a team that "didn't have enough talent to win on talent alone," as quoted from coach Herb Brooks, the American's had excellent players such as:
Mark Johnson
Neal Broten
"Coneheads" Mark Pavelich, John Harrington, and Buzz Scheneider
Ken Morrow
Dave Christian
Mike Ramsey
Rob McClanahan
Jack O'Callahan
Goalie: Jimmy Craig

In a single night in 1980, this game and eventually the win against Finland for the gold created a renewal passion and hope in America. With all the uncertainty of the times surrounding them, a sense of control was finally within reach.

I hope to write some more on this "legend," but until then!

Kristi Yamaguchi

2005-10-22T17:20:00.000-04:00

http://www.harlick.com/img/gal/ice/kristy7.jpg

I wanted to take some time to write about some of my favorite Olympic competetors. So I wanted to start with my all-time favorite: Kristi Yamaguchi.

As a little girl, I would watch Kristi like some girls play with their cherished toys. Whenever I got the chance to watch her and others skate, my eyes were glued to the television screen or my face was pressed up against the ice-rink's glass. My dream was to be a skating prodigy... but that never happened. But! I did get to watch my dream through Kristi, especially when she won the gold for the USA in Albertville during the 1992 Winter Olympics. Even today, becoming a better skater is one of my goals before I graduate from college.

Background & Facts:
-She was born in Hayward California in 1971
-Her favorite toy growing up was a Dorothy Hamill doll, (that she carried everywhere)
-She actually competed in pairs for a time, but eventually switched completely to singles
-Won two world championship gold medals: 1991, 1992

After winning the gold, Yamaguchi went on to travel with "Stars on Ice." She had the awesome opportunity to know so many other amazing skaters in her sport! I can only dream of one day meeting some of the people that she got the chance to work and skate with!

Spirit of Olympics Lives on

2005-10-22T17:05:00.000-04:00

Within this past month, the International Olympic Committee set off with this year's Winter Olympic campaign: "Celebrate Humanity." Focusing on the Olympic values of hope, dreams, inspiration, joy in effort, friendship and sportsmanship, spokesmen Nelson Mandella and Andrea Bocelli focus on the accomplishment of the Olympic's past and it's continued sucess into 2006 and the future.

Developed by Saatchi & Saatchi, an advertising agency from NY, the campaign will be broadcasted in the near future to increase the publics awareness of the Winter Games and it's values. With the success of the previous four Winter Olympics, Torino will hopefully be another in a long line of enthusiastic and joy-filled competitions.

Bridging the Gap

2005-10-22T16:54:00.000-04:00

This September, the footbridge planned on linking the Olympic Village to the Lingotto Direction Center was completed. With it's bright red paint scheme, the arch is without a doubt to be noticed from miles around. Cleverly designed by architect Hugh Dutton, the arch and bridge were created to serve the intent of becoming a landmark for the upcoming Games and for the city of Turin.

In less than four months, Olympic atheletes and peoples from around the world will be filled to the brim with excitement as they cross over into the realm of sportsmanship, unity and competition, that the Olympics represent. I can only imagine the excitement that has already built in response to this new addition in prep for February!

Looking Back...

2005-10-15T15:14:00.000-04:00

The Winter Oympics, officially dating back to 1924, have been here and there throughout the world, but have really only begun to take flight to a wide variety of countries within the past three decades.

Chamonix- 1924
St. Moritz- 1928, 1948
Lake Placid- 1932, 1980
Garmisch- Partenkirchen- 1936
Oslo- 1952
Cortina 'Amplezzo- 1956
Squaw Valley- 1960
Innsbruck- 1964, 1976
Grenoble- 1968
Sapporo- 1972
Sarejavo- 1984
Calgary- 1988
Albertville- 1992
Lillehammer- 1994
Nagano-1998
Salt Lake City- 2002

(Some of the oddities of dates are due to the development of an alternating year schedule with the Summer Olympics and with the original transition of the Nordic Games becoming the Winter Games.)

Out of all the olympics years, I would highly recommend looking at the most modern ones first and familiarize yourself with the new participants. A favorite one for me would be 1980 in Lake Placid. Our hockey team won a significant victory that year that not only was a "shot in the dark" for the U.S.A., but was a source of hope for the American people. (More to come from 1980!)

Enjoy looking at the links! There's a lot of good info from those sites!

Where, oh where, could they be?

2005-10-15T14:45:00.000-04:00

Now that we've figured out where the 2006 Olympics are going to be, lets look at where in Torino the actual events are going to take place.

The "Stadio Comunale" is where the beginning and ending ceremonies will take place, (on the 10th and 26th of February). Right now it's being renovated, but will be prepped and ready for action by the time the torch arrives in Torino.

The Oval, a speed-skating and multi-purpose building, is being built from scratch for 2006 and will be able to hold 8,000 spectators.

The Alpine Skiing will take place in Sestriere, an area in the northern province of Turin. A gorgeous town to begin with, Sestriere is sure to be a favorite with its Downhill and Slalom events.

Outside the "Stadio Communale," will be the new Ice Rink. Built in Santa Rita, southern Turin, the new rink will be host of the men & women's ice hockey competitions.

Lastly, my favorite, is the Palavela; figure skating & short-track speed skating rink. Another event being held in the south of Turin, this building will be renovated for the games as well. It was originally designed for the "Italia 61" exhibition celebrating their 100-year unification, so it is sure to be a place of pride and unity of the Italian people once again this February.

To check out the pictures of what these locations look like, visit the International Olympic Committee's site & you'll see a picture gallery at the bottom of the page: Click on them!

Surprise, surprise!

2005-10-12T21:11:00.000-04:00

I was browsing through the U.S. Embassy's site on winter olympics tonight & low & behold, I found a pretty cool article: "Top 25 Hopefuls to follow to Torino." These atheletes are sure to bring their own surprises to the slopes and rinks of Italy this February:

1. Eric Bernotas- Skeleton, 33
2. Gretchen Bleiler- Snowboarding, 23
3. Travis Cabral- Moguls, 21
4. Toby Dawson- Moguls, 26
5. Rebecca Dussault- Cross Country, 25
6. Michelle Gorgone- Snowboarding, 21
7. Chad Hedrick- Speedskating, 27
8.Lindsey Jacobellis-Snowboarding, 19
9. Cassie Johnson- Curling, 23
10. Hannah Kearney- Moguls, 19
11.Hyo Jung Kim- Short Track, 17
12. Zach Lund- Skeleton, 33
13. Kimmie Meissner- Figure Skating, 15
14. Christian Niccum- Luge, 27
15. Patrick Quinn-Luge, 37
16. Sarah Parsons- Ice Hockey, 17
17. Noelle Pikus-Pace- Skeleton, 23
18. Shauna Rohbock- Bobsled, 27
19. Ryan St. Onge- Aerials, 22
20. Denise Teela- Biathalon, 25
21. Elijah Teter- Snowboarding, 20
22. Hanah Teter- Snowboarding, 18
23. Johnny Weir- Figure Skating, 20
24. Seth Wescott- Snowboarding, 29
25. Shaun White- Halfpipe, 20

I just thought it was interesting how young and [for lack of a better term] old-er some of these atheletes are. I mean, think of it: being 15 and competing with the worlds greatest figure-skaters or 33 and sending yourself careening down an ice-track head first... Pretty amazing if you ask me! That's what I love about watching the Olympics. You can never be to young or old to appreciate the love and passion that you see in these atheletes. You can see it in their eyes when they compete: they love what they're there to do. I have no doubt that all these men & women will be amazing to watch this winter!

So keep an eye out for these "hopefuls." You never know what can happen when passion drives you!

The Olympic Torch

2005-10-06T10:11:00.000-04:00

Starting in Roma, Italy, on December 8th, 2005, the Torch will travel throughout all of Italy's provinces right through till the 9th of February, 2006 when the opening ceremonies will begin! Once again, I refer to the official site, but this time to the section on the Torch. Click on ENTER and an interactive video will take you through the route of the Torch bearers. You can click on the cities to discover a little more about the cities of Italy.

Torino, Italy

2005-10-04T08:14:00.000-04:00

A look into the Alps... Northern Italy really looks like this! It's amazing! When you fly in from Geneva, Switzerland, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking...

So, yes, the XX Winter Olympics are going to be in Tornino, Italy. Torino, a city in northern Italy, is set to be the "hub" of all the action.
Main events in this city will be:
-Ice hockey
-Figure skating
-Speed skating &
-Short-track

Torino, however isn't the only city where the events will be held. Venturing further into the Alps are several others:
-Bardonecchia
-Sauze d'Oulx
-Pragelato
-Sestriere
-San Sicario
-Claviere &
-Pinerolo

Check out the map at the official site to click on & get a picture of where the other events will be held and what cities they're in!

A Little Bit of History...

2005-10-04T08:04:00.000-04:00

Did you know...

1.) The Winter Olympics were originally called the "Nordic Games?"

2.) Only Scandanavian countries participated in the first few years of these Games?

3.) It wasn't until 1928 that the Games were coined the "Winter Olympics?"

4.) It wasn't until 1986 that Olympic officials decided to alternate the years that the summer and winter olympics were held?

All this and more you can find @ Encyclopedia Britannica-- pretty cool facts they've got! All in all, the Winter Olympics are fairly new, compared to the long history of the Olympics themselves. It's really picked up speed since the the mid 1900's to the present.

Made in the U.S.A.

2005-10-02T22:06:00.000-04:00

To get started, here is the official site for the U.S. Olympic Teams. Read up on your favorites!

So, where to for 2006?

2005-09-29T08:40:00.000-04:00

The home of the upcoming 2006 Olympics will be in Torino, Italy! Contrary to my original thought of it being in Rome, the official site has clarified it as definitely being in Torino! This is now the second set of Olympics in the region where the Games were originally founded-- pretty cool, huh?

Welcome!

2005-09-29T01:31:00.000-04:00

Hello! Welcome to my wonderful Blogging World of Winter Olympics! Aside from being a project for my COMS 220 class, I've decided to post on this topic because I've always loved watching the Winter Games. I'm excited to start exploring this wonderful event more in depth within the follow months, especially with the 2006 Winter Games approaching!

Within the next few months, I will be posting about the history and back-ground of the Winter Olympics, the events of the Games and news-happenings for 2006. You'll even be able to experience the Legends who have gone down in the history books along with a sneak peak of the next generations prodigies.

As winter approaches, I encourage you to read up on our U.S. Team. Get to know the athletes and their competition. Maybe even pick a favorite and stay posted on their progress. When the events start, you'll be surprised how much you learned about the particular sport and maybe you'll even take it up yourself. Who knows?

I hope you enjoy reading and following these posts!