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Greetings!
We had a great site visit a few weeks ago despite the USOC Site Team's late arrival due to a weather delay out of Houston. We were so excited to share our progress and our plans with the U.S. Olympic Committee! Check out a detailed description of the visit in this newsletter written by Tony Winnicker, BASOC Director of Communications.
Excitement continues to mount as the USOC announces that the Site Selection Team will recommend 2 cities on August 27 to advance to the final round. The announcement will be made in Chicago and I'll be attending along with one of our board members. The final two cities will make presentations to the USOC Board of Directors on November 3, 2002 and, as we understand it, the vote for the U.S Candidate City will be performed at this meeting.
Coming up this month are both The Bridge to the Future Poster Reception and the Napa event, The Winning Bid. We continue to build our "Bridge Builders Team" and the Bridge Builder pins are very much in evidence. My hope is that all of you reading this newsletter are wearing a pin right now and are thinking of ways to get your friends, colleagues and neighbors to wear one as well.
Hope...Dreams...Inspiration...Friendship....Fair Play...Joy in Effort...these are the words used to describe the Olympic Games and also the words to describe the quest that we have embarked on as we continue to seek the right to become the U.S. Candidate City in November. As always, thanks to all for your support and enthusiasm!
In the Olympic Spirit.....Anne
August 13, 2002, artists arrive at 5:30 p.m.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street at Third, San Francisco
You are invited to attend a reception and signing for the Poster Program designers which include Sharrie Brooks, David Lance Goines, Kit Hinrichs, Michael Mabry, Jennifer Morla, Jean Orlebeke, Ward Schumaker, Michael Schwab, Todd Simmons, Sam Smidt, Michael Vanderbyl, and Min Wang. Also on display will be Primo Angeli's original 2012 bid poster. Posters will be available for a contribution to the Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee's Olympic Bid.
Please RSVP to Helen Mendel, BASOC Dir. of Marketing, at hmendel@aol.com by August 9th.
Visit www.aigasf.org to view a gallery of some of the posters.
August 24, 2002, 5:00 p.m., di Rosa Preserve, Napa
The Winning Bid - A Benefit for San Francisco 2012. You're invited to attend a gala in the wine country showcasing Northern California's finest chefs, award-winning wines, art, entertainment, and Olympic spirit! Join our Olympians, businesses, and other supporters of San Francisco 2012 as we help make the vision a reality: San Francisco as the U.S. Olympic Committee's Candidate City in November 2002 and the San Francisco Bay Area as host of the 2012 Olympic Games! The di Rosa Preserve is home to 200 acres of vineyards, rolling meadows, gardens, art galleries, and a lake. For more information on The Winning Bid gala contact: Matt Dockstader, Event Director, Fogcutter Productions, (415) 381-4359, Marsella Macias at 650-856-2234, or visit the www.winningbid2012.org web site!
September 9, 2002, CordeValle Golf Club, San Martin
This second annual event promises to be even better than last year's inaugural golf tournament that raised $100,000. Many Olympians and other professional athletes will participate during the day to help raise funds for the San Francisco Bay Area's 2012 Olympic Bid. Corporate foursomes are now available for $5,000 per team. Call Helen Mendel, BASOC Director of Marketing, at 925-426-5339 for more information or to reserve your team.
August 22, 2002, Oakland Arena
USA Men's Basketball National teams, featuring NBA players such as Jason Kidd (who began playing at the Oakland Coliseum when he was in high school), have only faced China once before in an exhibition contest and only three times in either World Championship or Olympic play. China will be led by the 'Walking Great Wall,' which features the 7'1' Dallas Mavericks star Wang Zhizhi, the 6'11' Mengke Bateer, who recently joined the Denver Nuggets; and the 7'5' Yao Ming, who was the first pick in this year's NBA draft.
September 15, 2002, downtown San Francisco
As a part of America's Pro Cycling Tour (PCT), this televised race will feature over 100 athletes from around the world, including four-time defending Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong. Last year, the Grand Prix drew more than 400,000 spectators and was named one of the '10 Best Moments in Cycling' by VeloNews. The race will wind its way through downtown San Francisco and over famous hills where cable cars climb halfway to the stars.
By Jenny Mitchell, BASOC Volunteer
Score one or five - more points for Stanford as the Bay Area's quest to host the 2012 Olympic Games continues. The 2002 Modern Pentathlon World Championships, held July 15th 21st, made for six exciting days of competition and allowed Stanford to show off its world-class facilities.
MPWC Event Director Barbra Higgins deemed the event 'a huge success. It reminded me of my Olympic days when everywhere you turned you saw a representative from a different country with a smile on their face. We sent all the delegations home with good stories and good memories.' The five sports shooting, fencing, swimming, equestrian, and running took place in four of Stanford's finest venues. The facilities received much praise from the athletes, media, and spectators. 'Stanford was incredibly hospitable as a host,' said Venue Operations Manager Kumi Takasumi.
Spectators were rewarded with one outstanding performance after another. Britain's Georgina Harland made up 10 places in the run event to achieve her second straight Individual Bronze Medal. Mary Beth Iagorashvili of the U.S. team, who placed 4th at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, helped her team advance to 5th place in the Relay Finals.
Erik Johansson of Sweden, who was 31st after the shoot, and Michal Sedlecky, in 5th place when he entered the last phase, gave the crowd an exciting race to the finish that ended with Sedlecky, a mere 3 seconds ahead of Johansson, taking the Gold for the Czech Republic. Despite Jeremie Perry of the USA winning the Men's Qualifying run, no American male competed in the Individual Finals. Chad Senior, a member of the U.S.'s Gold Medal Relay team at the 2000 World Championships, missed making the finals by only a few points. The U.S. Men's Relay team finished 11th overall.
MPWC organizers agree that the success of the event was in the power of the volunteers. 'We received rave reviews from the athletes and officials and it was in great part due to the contribution of our volunteers,' Takasumi declared. 'Our volunteers really pulled through and gave more than they originally signed up to do.'
Commenting on the diligence of the volunteers, Higgins stated, 'With an event this big you will always have problems here and there behind the scenes, but our staff was prepared to handle all of them and did so in an exemplary fashion.'
What more can come from the success of these World Championships? Takasumi added, 'The best part overall is that it really shows what the Bay Area can do with respect to hosting the events. BASOC volunteers really came through, and Anne [Cribbs] & James [Raybould] stepped in at the key points. I think it proves that this organization has the volunteer base and the talent to take on the Olympic Games.'
By Todd Kleinheinz, BASOC Volunteer
The 2002 Bank of the West Tennis Classic began with a full range of story lines, including the return of Lindsey Davenport from a knee injury that had sidelined her for the entire 2002 campaign and Kim Clijsters' attempt to defend her title. With the absence of the world's number one player, Serena Williams, the tournament appeared wide open.
Anna Kournikova, Monica Seles, Justine Henin and Davenport all made valiant efforts in their attempt to be crowned champion of this 32 year-old tournament, the oldest women-only tennis tournament in the world. In the end, it was Venus Williams, sister of the world's number one player, who took the crown. Williams, the top seed, won her fifth title of the year to maintain her number two world ranking. It was Venus' eighth appearance at the Bank of the West Tennis Classic and the second time in three years that she took the title, this year defeating defending champion Kim Clijsters 6-3, 6-3 before a sold out crowd at Stanford's Taube Tennis Center.
As beautiful a day as it was for the fans, the bright sun and blue skies that are a trademark of the Northern California summer forced Venus out of her rhythm and into an uncharacteristic 10 double-faults.
"The sun was definitely a factor,' she said about the bright skies. "I had to start moving my toss around a bit. And when you have to move your toss around, it gets a little shaky.'' The power of her serve didn't leave her, however. At one point, she was clocked at 119 mph.
Williams beat Lisa Raymond in the semifinals to advance in the $585,000 tournament. Clijsters upset second-seeded Lindsay Davenport. Although earlier this year, Clijsters beat Williams in the final at Hamburg to even their career series at 1-1, at Stanford it was Venus' title.
In the doubles final Sunday, top-seeded Lisa Raymond and Rennae Stubbs defeated Janette Husarova and Conchita Martinez, 6-1, 6-1. Raymond and Stubbs advanced to the final when Anna Kournikova had to withdraw from the semifinal with partner Meghann Shaughnessy because of an abdominal strain.
Even a delayed arrival caused by poor weather elsewhere couldn't dampen the Bay Area's enthusiasm for hosting the USOC's Bid Evaluation Task Force July 14 15th. Demonstrating that we can be the best partner and best team for the USOC, Bay Area elected, business & community leaders, Olympians, Paralympians and supporters turned out in force throughout the weekend to welcome the Task Force to the Bay Area.
July 14th, Day One The Best Bid for the Athletes
Proving our team spirit and flexibility, BASOC worked fast to adapt the first day's schedule to reflect the late arrival. Greeted by BASOC leaders at the San Jose Jet Center, the USOC was taken to Stanford University's Kissick Auditorium at the Arrillaga Family Sports Center. There, the USOC Task Force members were welcomed by Stanford University President John Hennessey, Stanford Athletic Director & BASOC Executive Committee Member Ted Leland and dozens of Stanford Olympians, Paralympians and coaches.
At Stanford, the USOC also got a high-tech 'fly-through' presentation of the planned state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly Olympic Village at Moffett Field, a presentation from Stanford Professor Don Chu on BASOC's plans for an 'Academic Olympiad' in the years leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games and a powerful 'surprise' presentation of letters of endorsement for SF2012 by 14 current and past U.S. Olympic swimming and track & field coaches.
'The San Francisco Bay Area is the best place for the athletes of the world in 2012,' said Richard Quick, Stanford's Swimming Coach and five-time U.S. Olympic Swimming Coach, as he handed USOC Task Force Chair Charles Moore the endorsement letters.
Following a quick walking tour of the Olympic Park environment that already exists at Stanford University -- proposed site of Opening & Closing Ceremonies, Track & Field, Swimming, Diving, Synchronized Swimming, Softball, Archery, Badminton & Modern Pentathlon the USOC was taken to the top of Stanford's historic Hoover Tower for a panoramic view of the beautiful campus and the entire San Francisco Bay Area.
San Francisco Bay Area to USOC: ' Leave Your Heart in San Francisco'
The first day ended with a beautiful reception atop the Westin St. Francis Hotel on Union Square courtesy of the San Francisco Convention & Visitor's Bureau and the Westin St. Francis Hotel. Joined by hundreds of Bay Area business, community, elected, non-profit and other leaders, the USOC got a taste literally of all the Bay Area has to offer the world for the 2012 Olympic Games. Bay Area Olympians and Paralympians turned out in force for the event, impressing the USOC with their genuine commitment to and involvement in the bid. As the sun set over the Golden Gate, with the glittering City skyline behind them, speakers -- including San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, California Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante and San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi -- welcomed the USOC to the Bay Area and promised to be the best partner and the best team for the USOC in the international phase of the process.
'We will keep our promises to you,' said Congresswoman Pelosi, House Democratic Whip and the first woman in history to serve in the leadership of the United States Congress.
July 15th, Day Two The Best Bid to Win Internationally for America
To make up for time lost the day before, Day Two began at 7 a.m. at San Francisco's historic City Hall, with a multi-media presentation on the San Francisco Bay Area's bid by BASOC leaders and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. Mayor Brown then walked the USOC under the Great Dome of City Hall (taller even than the U.S. Capitol Dome!) up to his office and into the International Room, where gifts to the City and County of San Francisco from leaders and nations around the world are displayed. Surrounded by sculptures and works of art from around the world, the Mayor discussed San Francisco and the Bay Area's historic ties and strong relationships with leaders and peoples from Asia, Latin America, Europe and Africa. The USOC then breakfasted with BASOC's Board of Directors at the San Francisco Hyatt, where BASOC President & CEO Anne Cribbs touted the Bay Area's enthusiasm for hosting the 2012 Olympic Games and for being part of a winning team for America with the USOC.
'We will be your best partner as we move forward together to win internationally and return the Olympic Games to the United States in 2012,' said Cribbs, a 1960 Olympian.
A day of rigorous question and answer sessions with the USOC in the Del Monte company boardroom paused only briefly for lunch on the waters of beautiful San Francisco Bay. A 'boat's-eye-view' venue tour originally planned for the day before but postponed because of the late arrival was rescheduled for Monday afternoon. The USOC lunched aboard the 'California Spirit' courtesy of Signature Events while Bid Director Bob Stiles pointed out venues along San Francisco's waterfront, including Aquatic Park (triathlon), Treasure Island (sailing), Marina Green (road cycling) and Pacific Bell Park (baseball). Stiles also unveiled graphic images and plans for 'The Olympic Way' along San Francisco's waterfront a promenade of 'hospitality houses' and exhibitions from nations around the world that will draw spectators and visitors during and for months before the 2012 Olympic Games.
Before returning to Del Monte to close the afternoon Q&A, the USOC docked at McCovey Cove at Pacific Bell Park. Giving the USOC an emotional welcome at home plate were Giants owner Peter Magowan, the Giants staff and Giants legends Willie McCovey and Willie Mays.
'It's not often you get to meet a living legend,' said a moved Ann Swisshelm, 2002 Olympic Curler and USOC Task Force member.
'An Exceptional Bid'
The visit ended with a press conference atop the Bank of America Center courtesy of supporter Bank of America -- with USOC Task Force Chair Charles Moore, Vice Chair Herman Frazier, Mayor Willie Brown, BASOC President & CEO Anne Cribbs and BASOC Board of Directors Co-Chair Jim Woolwine, President & CEO of Golden Gate Bank. Many Olympians & Paralympians including Bay Area native and figure skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi attended the press conference as well.
'Your bid city team understands what it takes to win, and you've carried it forward,' said Moore. 'This is a fine bid
It may even be an exceptional bid
this bid doesn't have any shortcomings
and for that I congratulate you,' Moore concluded.
San Francisco Bay Area 2012 Olympic Games -- The Best Invitation to the World
The Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee and the leaders of San Francisco 2012 want to thank the hundreds of individuals, companies, organizations and community leaders who contributed to such a successful site visit by the USOC. Next, the USOC will cut the field of cities down to two on August 27th, before choosing the U.S. Candidate on November 3rd.
With a 'brand' and icons that resonate positively around the world, our outstanding weather and climate, our 80% existing facilities and presence of over 400 Olympians in Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area is the best bid for the athletes, the financially responsible bid and the best candidate to win internationally.
The San Francisco Bay Area is the best invitation America can offer to the world for the 2012 Olympic Games and we will be the best partner and the best team for the USOC at the international level of the competition.
And it's because of our team our team of literally thousands of individuals, companies and organizations from throughout the Bay Area who have given their time, their talent and their money that the San Francisco Bay Area will be chosen as a finalist on August 27th and will be chosen U.S. Candidate on November 3rd. Thanks for your continued support!
Compiled by Brian Aronstam, BASOC Volunteer
A three-day workshop designed to ease the transition of U.S. Olympic athletes back into the real world was held last month in San Diego. The U.S. Olympic Committee, which created the summit, holds workshops to prepare athletes for competition, but this was its first foray into post-games education. 'I definitely think something has been missing," said silver medal ice skater Paul Wylie, a co-chair of the session. "Everything is so regimented for an athlete that it can be difficult to return to school or join the work force. There's a sense of anxiety with the athlete that they are no longer an expert in their field." The summit, which included speakers from Coca-Cola, Monster, Springfield College and the USOC, featured segments on returning to school, searching for jobs, interviewing and public speaking. "A lot of athletes don't know what to do when their Olympic careers are over and they just kind of wander around," said gold medal speedskater Bonnie Blair, another co-chair of the event. "I think this will be a good sounding board for the athletes to determine what their next step will be."
One of the biggest challenges likely to face the Olympic Movement reducing the cost and complexity of the Olympic Games was addressed at a two-day meeting in July at the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Switzerland. With the operating cost of hosting the Olympic Games now in the region of $2 billion and the number of accredited participants totaling over 200,000, IOC President Jacques Rogge set up a commission to review all aspects of the Olympic Games and to propose changes that will make it more manageable for future host cities and countries. Most of the Commission's recommendations will take effect starting with the Olympic Winter Games of Turin 2006.
President George W. Bush appointed 20 individuals to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Dr. Dot Richardson, two-time Olympic gold medalist in softball and an orthopedic surgeon, was named vice chairman of the council (football legend Lynn Swann chairs the group.). Also named to the council were USOC CEO Lloyd Ward; Derek D. Parra, gold and silver medalist in speed skating at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games; Marion Jones, who made history at the 2000 Olympic Games when she became the first female track and field athlete to win five medals at a single Olympic Games; Danny Gable, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling at the 1972 Olympic Games; Charles Moore, gold medalist in the 400m hurdles and a silver medalist in the 4x400m relay at the 1952 Olympic Games; and Pamela Danberg, a silver medalist in swimming at the 1988 Paralympic Games.
Taking the spirit of the Olympic Games to new heights, two volunteers for the Athens organizing committee plan to carry the Olympic flag to the summit of Mt. Elburz in Greece, the highest peak in Europe. Nikos Mangitsis and Grigoris Polymerou of Volos, Greece, gathered a team of seven climbers to scale the 18,510-foot mountain in August. Organizing committee President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, in presenting the flag to the climbers, asked them to carry the message of volunteerism to the ends of the earth and, 'pass on the Olympic message in a new and creative way.'
Compiled by Sharon Clark, BASOC Volunteer
The 3rd International Paralympic Committee's World Athletics Championships took place this week in Lille and Villeneuve d'Ascq, France. These Championships are the largest IPC competition next to the Paralympic Games, with 1,200 athletes and 600 officials from 75 nations participating. On day one, 19 world records were broken in the disciplines of track, field, marathon, and pentathlon. American track star Marlon Shirley broke his previous world record of 11.09 seconds in the 100 meter race with a new world record of 11.08 seconds. Hundreds of fans were in the stadium cheering the athletes on. China won the medal count with a total of 40, and the U.S. was seventh with 20 total medals, including 7 gold.
The first World Athletics Championships organized by the IPC took place in Berlin, Germany in 1994. They Championships are held every four years, in alternate years to the Paralympic Games. In the first year alone, 1,154 athletes from 63 countries competed, breaking over 90 world records. The second World Championships were held in Birmingham, England in 1998. In 1998, 78 new world records were set, and 55 of the 61 countries represented won gold medals, which demonstrates the growth of disabled athletics world-wide.
Editors Note: Sharon Clark wrote this article from Birmingham, England where she is competing in the 13th Annual British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships. She is then off to Vienna for the Austrian Open and to Geneva for the Swiss Open.
By Rick Tharp, BASOC Design Umpire
The Olympic Games not only attracts the world's greatest athletes, they also attract some of the world's greatest designers. The graphic imagery that colors the celebration of each Olympiad blends the character of the host city with the visual traditions of Olympic design. In its quest to become the U.S. Candidate City for the 2012 Olympic Games, San Francisco has invited twelve nationally prominent designers living in the Bay Area to create posters that express the Bid's theme - The Bridge to the Future. Their work is a preview of the incredible array of imagery that will grace the city if San Francisco wins the right to host the Games.
BASOC President and CEO Anne Warner Cribbs says, 'Hope... Dreams... Inspiration... Friendship... Fair Play... Joy in Effort... these are the words used to describe the Olympic Games. The Olympic Games inspire us. They bring people of all nations and cultures together. The Olympic Games are a showcase for the best in people: discipline, dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and mutual respect. The Olympic Games give us a glimpse of the way we want the world to be. These remarkable visions of The Bridge to the Future were created by these truly inspired artists.' According to BASOC Design Umpire Rick Tharp, 'We're fortunate that so many renowned artists and designers call the Bay Area home.' And we're grateful that Primo Angeli and these other twelve designers have been so inspired to contribute their talents to our Bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.'
Poster designers include Sharrie Brooks, David Lance Goines, Kit Hinrichs, Michael Mabry, Jennifer Morla, Jean Orlebeke, Ward Schumaker, Michael Schwab, Todd Simmons, Sam Smidt, Michael Vanderbyl, and Min Wang. Also on display will be Primo Angeli's original 2012 bid poster. Posters will be available for a contribution to the Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee's Olympic Bid.
Visit www.aigasf.org to view a gallery of some of the posters.
Are you a huge fan of the San Francisco Bay Area 2012 Olympic bid? Do you like to host parties and know lots of people? Want to combine these two interests?
BASOC is looking for 10 party hosts to run our Bridge Builder Parties over the next 3 months. Each event will be held at a popular bar or club of your choice around the Bay Area. The parties will include appetizers, door-prizes, a cash-bar, BASOC personnel (to answer questions about the Olympic Bid) and possibly Olympians.
The purpose of these events is to expand our grassroots effort by asking people to join our Bridge Builder Program. For a $20 contribution to attend the event, individuals will receive a commemorative Bridge Builder lapel pin. Our goal is to attract 150+ people to each event and raise at least $3,000 per event.
Each Bridge Builder Party Host will be responsible for using their extensive network of contacts to invite people to the event. BASOC will assist in marketing the events as well, but we will be relying heavily on the host's connections and personal email list. The party host will also choose the venue of their choice and work with the venue management.
BASOC will supply incentives for partygoers to attend (door-prizes and an Olympian) as well as organizational help. If you are interested in hosting and organizing an event and would like more information, please contact Glenn G. Millar at glenn@basoc2012.org or at the BASOC office at 650-856-2234.
By Nancy Keith Kelly, BASOC Volunteer
The experience of attending an Olympic Games as a spectator is one that Bryan Ivie would love to see happen for Bay Area youth. While growing up in Southern California, Bryan watched the USA Men's Volleyball team win the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It left a lasting impression and became a platform for his career. At that time, Bryan just started playing volleyball and shortly thereafter was awarded a scholarship to USC. In 1991, the American Volleyball Coaches Association named Bryan Player of the Year.
In 1992, Bryan competed in his first Olympic Games in Barcelona where the U.S. Men's team won the Bronze medal. He also competed for the U.S. in Atlanta and feels that the Bay Area is the best venue for the 2012 Olympic Games.
How did you get involved with BASOC?
I moved to the Bay Area about two years ago and a friend that knew I was an Olympian told me about BASOC. I emailed Anne Cribbs, BASOC President and CEO, and expressed my interest in being a part of the committee.
What is your role with BASOC?
I've served on the BASOC Board of Directors since the beginning of the year. So far, my involvement has included participating in fundraisers and interacting with a variety of people. Should the Olympic Games come to Bay Area, I'd like to get more involved with the volleyball aspect and also continue my work with kids.
Why is the Bay Area the perfect host for the Olympic Games?
The weather is the best and there are a number of great venues. I was in Atlanta in 1996 and the weather was miserable. It's certainly one of the many serious considerations for both the athletes and the visitors.
Tell us a little about your professional experience.
I moved to the Bay Area about two years ago and I've been working for the CAC Group, a commercial real estate firm in San Francisco. We specialize in project leasing and tenant representation.
Tell us a bit more about your own Olympic Experience(s).
I watched the U.S. Men's Volleyball team win the Gold at Long Beach State, during the 1984 Games. It left a huge impression on me and gave me some direction in life when I needed it. I became interested in volleyball and realized that things like good grades were important. So, I settled down a bit and focused in on my schoolwork and my game. Doing so led to a great college career and then two opportunities to play in the Olympic Games.
My experience in Barcelona really stood out. It was my first Olympic Games, we won the bronze medal, and I was playing alongside a number of friends that I played with in college. It was if I was playing with my family.
Thanks Bryan for taking the time to speak to us!
By Steve Woo, BASOC Volunteer
'Eureka!' I've found it!
In 1849, Greek cries of 'Eureka!' could be heard across Northern California with the historic discovery of gold in the state. Ambitious individuals from around the world converged on the region with the hopes of a brighter future. What they found was not only gold, but also a pioneering spirit that continues to pervade all aspects of life in Northern California, including business, technology, politics, education, and athletics.
Over 150 years after the first miner cried 'Eureka!' to signal the California Gold Rush era, the world may again return to Northern California to witness a gold rush of a different sort. At the 2012 Olympic Games, gold will not be amassed through the blood, sweat, and tears of miners, but rather through those of the world's greatest athletes. Olympians from around the globe will be competing in the very same waters in which gold was first discovered.
Lake Natoma will be the site of Rowing and Canoeing/Kayaking competitions at the 2012 San Francisco Olympic Games. The lake is set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and provides a beautiful, park-like setting. It is located on the American River, near Sacramento, and can be reached within one hour of the Bay Area. Historically, Lake Natoma was first mined for gold by African Americans between 1849-1850. Negro Bar, the name of their mining camp, was a cluster of tents and shacks that were built to shelter miners working along the river. The original bar on which the camp was located was washed out and now lies under the waters of Lake Natoma. However, even today, traces of gold can still be mined using pans and dredges. With every stroke and every paddle, rowers, canoers and kayakers can't help but be reminded of Lake Natoma's golden past, as well as their own Olympic aspirations for gold.
Lake Natoma is among the country's finest rowing and canoeing/kayaking competition venues and will be able to accommodate 25,000 spectators at the 2012 Olympic Games. The lake has been host to an extensive list of world-class sporting events, including: The Pacific Athletic Conference (Pac-10) Rowing Championships, Golden State Indoor Rowing Championships, Head of the American, California Collegiate Rowing Championships, Southwest Junior Rowing Championships, Pacific Coast Rowing Championships, Gold Rush Master Regatta, Women's NCAA National Championship Regatta, and the Hobie and Camellia Cup Regattas.
The Aquatic Center at Lake Natoma is operated by California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) and the California State Department of Boating & Waterways and Department of Parks & Recreation. The Aquatic Center was established in 1981 and has provided instruction to thousands of students through physical education classes, leisure classes, and summer camps. Aside from rowing and canoeing, the general public can also participate in sailing and windsurfing at Lake Natoma, as well as water skiing and jet skiing at nearby Lake Folsom. In addition to operating the Aquatic Center, CSUS would also be the site of a satellite Olympic Village for competitors and spectators. It's already a great venue for rowing and canoeing, and with the planned addition of slalom facilities, Lake Natoma will be the first all-year slalom training facility of international caliber in the United States.
Like the miners of the California Gold Rush, athletes and spectators will again be welcomed by Lake Natoma for a golden experience at the 2012 Olympic Games.
By Randy Haberl, BASOC Volunteer
Jacque Mox is an inspiring individual, a Paralympian, and a BASOC volunteer. She is a member of the U.S. National Paralympic Swim Team. Jacque took time out of her busy schedule to speak with us.
Tell us a little about your background.
I was born and raised in San Jose. I've been swimming since I was 5 years old. I worked hard and made the Junior National Team and then the U.S. National Team and finally the U.S. Paralympic Team. I am going to become a full-time student and I also help with youth camps - mostly to encourage others to become swimmers and motivate them to be enthusiastic.
I was a member of 7 Junior National Teams throughout the years. I participated on the U.S. National Team in both 1997 (England) and 1999 (New Zealand) for the World Championships. I then traveled back down under for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
What are some of your sports accomplishments?
As a member of the U.S. National Team, I have 27 Gold medals and National Titles. I was a member of the World Record-holding team in the 4x50 Free Relay. In Sydney, I was a finalist in four different swim events.
Tell us about your Paralympic experience.
Being in Sydney was the greatest experience. Every single swimming event was sold out. The fan support and cheering was so exciting. People knew your name and would tell you 'Good luck Jacque.' Signing autographs was exciting too, since we don't get much attention like that elsewhere. We were treated like celebrities. It was great!
What is your training routine?
My training program is pretty demanding. I swim 6 days a week for about 2 hours each day. I lift weights twice a week for about 2 hours each time. We just completed the National Meet so we'll have to start a more intense training routine for next year's major events.
How did you become involved with BASOC?
I was contacted to be an active member of the Paralympic Advisory Committee by Jan Elix, the Paralympic Committee chair. I will be focusing on the swimming portion of the Paralympic Games. We have had several meetings already and look forward to having the Paralympics playing a major role in the 2012 Olympic Games here in the Bay Area.
What are you doing these days?
I am attending school, I work at a movie theater, and help with groups and camps, mostly for children. It's very rewarding. I am also looking forward to more swim meets and working hard for the 2004 Paralympic Games. I know our schedules will be real busy as San Francisco moves forward in getting the Olympic Games.
Do you have any advice for others?
I would have to say that working hard is a key in everything you do. My mother, who is a wonderful person, has shown me that this is very important. My main advice would be to keep an eye on your dreams or goals. Working hard and achieving those dreams is definitely worth it. It is a lot of work, but keep focused.
Thanks Jacque for speaking with us despite your busy schedule.
By Kim Strenk, BASOC Volunteer
In 1991, Maureen and Mike Birdsall decided to take charge of their careers and lives by starting their own company. The Birdsalls' wanted to control their work environment, create their own corporate culture and most of all feel appreciated for their accomplishments. Maureen's background in creative design coupled with Mike's sales and marketing expertise made a powerful combination. With passion, dedication and hard work, Birdsall Interactive was born. Since then, the company has created original, compelling and effective design for over two hundred and fifty web sites and more than six hundred web banners. Their client list includes Cisco, San Francisco Giants, Adobe Systems, Visa, Hewlett-Packard, PeopleSoft, Wells Fargo Bank, E*Trade and Levi Strauss.
From a one-person design studio, Birdsall Interactive has grown to include a team of seasoned marketing and technology executives, senior design staffers, production managers and sales group. Birdsall Interactive is a web development firm focused on delivering the very best products and services for their clients on-time and on-budget. Speaking to Mike, one gets the sense that the same passion and dedication that the company was founded on over ten years ago is given to each and every Birdsall customer.
How did this Bay Area web development firm find its way to BASOC? Dedication, persistence and a positive attitude. Maureen and Mike feel strongly that their company should reflect their values such as community involvement and positive attitude. Therefore, since its inception, Birdsall Interactive has designated a significant portion of time and resources to help community-based organizations. Being a dedicated sports fan and weekend athlete, Mike has always been interested in working with sports organizations. He pro-actively seeks community groups that may be well served by Birdsall's expertise in web design and development.
According to Mike, 'When I heard about the Bay Area Olympic Bid, I knew that our company could make a positive impact on the on the effort. As a Bay Area-based technology and design firm, we have a lot to offer.' Mike believed that Birdsall could make a difference in the success of the Olympic bid and joined BASOC's team three months ago. They lent their very best web site designers and technical experts to make the BASOC website a more interactive and dynamic web destination rather than a static HTML site.
When speaking to Mike, you get the sense that fair play, teamwork, and dedication are the hallmarks of how Birdsall conducts business. When it comes to the Olympic Games, the spirit of community and a positive attitude - Birdsall Interactive and BASOC make for a winning combination.
For more information or to contact Birdsall Interactive go to www.birdsallinteractive.com or call (510) 433-8900.
Please send comments, suggestions, and questions to: BASOC E-Newsletter, Attn: Berta Lim, 2479 E. Bayshore Road, Suite 703, Palo Alto, CA 94303, info@basoc2012.org
BASOC E-news writing provided by dedicated BASOC volunteers, editing by Berta Lim, Elizabeth Faletti and Tammy Kaehler. |
