GOV. RITTER HONORS COLORADO OLYMPIANS PRIOR TO OPENING CEREMONY

Gov. Ritter today proclaimed Feb. 12, 2010, as “Colorado Winter Olympians Day” throughout the State of Colorado . With the Opening Ceremony of the XXI Winter Olympics hours away, the Governor honored the Colorado Olympians with a proclamation emphasizing the state’s support of its hometown athletes.

“I want to congratulate all of our Coloradan Olympians in 2010,” said Gov. Ritter. “We wish you the very best of luck as you go forward and compete in these Winter Games. Colorado has much to be proud of, and we have certainly been the home of many great athletes. We consider you among the very best of them.”

Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) plans to introduce a resolution on the Senate floor later today to also honor Colorado ’s athletes. “It is an honor to see Colorado citizens shine on the global stage, and I am so proud to represent our dedicated Olympic athletes,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming them home knowing they have given their all!"

Of all the athletes that comprise Team USA , 21 have hometowns listed in Colorado . The 2010 Winter Olympics will begin on Friday, February 12, 2010, in Vancouver , Canada . This year’s Olympics are the 21st Winter Olympics – the first took place in Chamonix , France , in1924.

Below is the text of the proclamation, and attached is audio of Gov. Ritter’s message to Colorado ’s Olympians.

COLORADO WINTER OLYMPIANS DAY
February 12, 2010

WHEREAS, on February 12, 2010, the Opening Ceremony for the XXI Winter Olympic Games will begin in Vancouver, Canada, launching the ultimate winter sports events for elite athletes around the globe; and

WHEREAS, Team USA will be comprised of our nation’s most talented and skilled athletes, including 21 who call Colorado home; and

WHEREAS, Jeremy Abbott, Gretchen Bleiler, Racheal Flatt, Todd Lodwick, Michelle Roark, Sarah Schleper, Paul Stastny, Katie Uhlaender, Chris Klug, Lanny Barnes, Chris Drury, Taylor Fletcher, Simi Hamilton, Matt Ladley, Alice McKennis, Casey Puckett, Justin Reiter, Johnny Spillane, Ryan St. Onge, Jake Zamansky and Lindsey Vonn each have Colorado connections; and

WHEREAS, our Colorado athletes hail from across the state – from Colorado Springs to Aspen , and from Denver to Durango ; and

WHEREAS, during the Winter Olympics, Team USA’s representatives from Colorado will compete in a variety of winter sports events – hockey, skeleton, skating, skiing, and snowboarding, to name but a few; and

WHEREAS, the State of Colorado recognizes and appreciates the hard work, dedication, commitment, and bravery of all of our hometown athletes, and encourages people throughout the state to support and cheer for Team USA and its Colorado contingent;

Therefore, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado , do hereby proclaim February 12, 2010,

COLORADO WINTER OLYMPIANS DAY in the State of Colorado .

GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado , this eleventh day of February, 2010

Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor