Utah universities plan for Olympics

LOGAN, Utah - Though it may seem far away, planning for the 2002 Winter Olympics has been underway for quite some time across the state of Utah.

An estimated 3,500 athletes and tens of thousands of spectators are expected to stream into Utah to take part in the Games. Many of Utah's universities have already begun planning for the arrival of the Olympics, and some play important roles in the Games.

The crowds and fanfare of the Olympics will be present at the University of Utah throughout the Games. Utah will be hosting both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Olympics in Rice-Eccles Stadium.

According to the universities Website, "the university is tentatively slated to receive from SLOC $8 million for the use of Rice Stadium and associated parking lots, and to receive $28 million for the use of the Olympic Athletes Village."

It also hopes to attain educational benefits from its involvement in the Olympic Games. Coordinators are working with students and faculty "to enhance opportunities to learn from and enjoy the presence of the Olympics," according to the Website.

Weber State University will also be affected by the Olympics since Ogden, Utah, is a major Olympic venue. Pre-Olympic events have already begun in Ogden, and the U.S. Alpine Championships are scheduled to take place at Snowbasin Ski Resort in March. Snowbasin is also the location for some Olympic alpine ski events.

Sandy Sowerby, WSU's public relations director and chairman of the Northern Utah 2002 Committee, said Weber State's Ice Sheet is going to be used for curling.

Curling, which originated in Scotland, is like "shuffleboard on ice, but with more strategy involved," Sowerby said.

WSU will follow the University of Utah's example and not conduct classes during the 2002 Olympics. Weber will instead forego Spring Break and take an extended break during the Olympic Games, Sowerby said.

The Salt Lake Community College administration has discussed the possibility of not holding classes during the Games as well, but is still undecided. SLCC gymnasiums may be rented, but the school is otherwise unaffected by the upcoming Games.

At Brigham Young University an Olympics Operating Committee has been created to handle preparations for the Games. Carrie Jenkins, who works for BYU Media Relations, said the University hopes to involve all of its departments in preparing for the Games.

"Communications, nursing and language will especially be involved," Jenkins said.

Tours of BYU's campus will be offered and the museum of art may host a special exhibit during the Olympics.

Unlike the U of U and WSU, BYU will be in session during the Olympics.

Many opportunities exist for those who would like to volunteer for the Olympics. An estimated 18,000 volunteers will be needed to help with the Olympic Games. Online applications are already available on SLOC's home page.

02-12-99