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Happy April!
With just a bit more than seven months to go until the USOC selects the Candidate City for the 2012 Olympic Games, the pace continues to accelerate. Last Friday, March 29, THE BID ADDENDUM - all 250-plus pages – went to the printer.
The information contained in our Bid Addendum includes in depth transportation plans, sports and event updates, a refined venue plan, our plan for the Paralympic Games in 2012, our international strategies - how we can win in 2012 - during the international phase of the bid - and our partnership proposals with the USOC.
This BID ADDENDUM will be released to the public after delivery to the USOC on the April 8 deadline. Should be fascinating reading. Look for a press conference on April 17 at Treasure Island to announce the details!
A few other fun items: BASOC's billboard at 80 and 101 is great and entirely donated by ADCO. Levi Strauss joins us as a new Silver Founder and BASOC will have an entry in the Bay to Breakers. Let us know if you want to join the runners!
Please see the event calendar later in this newsletter. There are lots of events coming up this summer - track & field, the World Pentathlon Championships, Grand Prix Bike Racing, sailing, and our now famous BASOC tradition, 'BASOC Night at Pac Bell Park.'
And finally, I wanted to share a part of the email that reached BASOC today...a reminder of why we want to bring the Olympic Games to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2012:
"Hi! I'm an 18 year-old girl that always wanted to go to the Olympic Games just because I love sports and I love the way you guys make those mini interviews and stories about the person. They really inspire me. I just wanted to tell the organization that you guys are making a great choice in trying to bring the Olympic Games to the Bay Area. I believe that this would make the communities better. I would know because I come from a pretty bad neighborhood. This would really help keep young kids and teenagers away from the criminal life. Hopefully, this would change their minds about their future because there are many, many athletes that I see everyday that can really play but it's just that they need to stay focused on school. If the Games are brought here to the Bay Area it would touch people so much because it would bring people together to watch other people talents. I would just like to say again that you guys made a very good choice to bring the Games here in the Bay Area! Thank You"
In the Olympic Spirit, and as always, thanks for your support … Anne Cribbs
May 29, 2002, Pacific Bell Ballpark, San Francisco
Take me out to the ballgame! Don't miss BASOC's 3rd Annual BASOC Night at Pac Bell Park! The event will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2002, beginning at 5:15 pm. The evening begins with a buffet dinner on the Club House level, followed by an exciting match-up at 7:15 pm - Giants vs. the 2001 World Series Champs, the Arizona Diamondbacks! Tickets are $50 (includes both dinner and a ticket to the game) and are on sale now.
Questions? Please contact Berta Lim at 650-856-2234 or berta@basoc2012.org.
June 8, 2002, Stanford University's Cobb Track and Angell Field, Palo Alto
The U.S. Open is a IAAF Grand Prix I meet and one of the top track and field events in the world. This star-studded event attracts the world's most elite Olympic caliber athletes. At last year's meet, Olympic and World Champion Stacy Dragila set two world records in the women's pole vault and sprint sensation Marion Jones scorched the track on her way to victory in the 200 meters. World Champion John Godina took first in the shot put. Among others, the 2001 list of participants included, Olympic hurdle Silver Medalist Terrence Trammell, American 5000 meter record holder Bob Kennedy, Olympic Gold Medalist Jon Drummond, and Kenya's Luke Kipkosgei, and Raymond Yator. Expect a sellout crowd for this prestigious event.
June 12-15, 2002, University of California, Berkeley
The 7th World University Taekwondo Championships of FISU will be held June 12-15, 2002, at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas Pavilion. Thirty-five countries from six continents will participate with teams of eight male contestants and eight female contestants. For more information and how to register your university, check out: http://www.ucmap.org/events/wutc2002
June 21-23, 2002, Stanford University's Cobb Track and Angell Field, Palo Alto
The USA Outdoor Championships, the United States' most prestigious track and field meet will be at Stanford for three exciting days, June 21-23, 2002. The best track and field athletes in the country will compete for spots to represent the United States in international competition. Expect many World and Olympic Champions to compete in the first U.S. National Track and Field Championships held at Stanford since 1932.
July 14-15, 2002, San Francisco Bay Area
The USOC Bid Site Inspection Team will return to the San Francisco Bay Area on July 14-15, 2002. BASOC will take the USOC on a tour of several sports venues identified in the San Francisco Olympic Bid. BASOC will also host the USOC site inspection team at a reception that will showcase the commitment of BASOC, the Bay Area, and its Olympians.
July 15-21, 2002, Stanford University, Stanford
Come and watch some of the world's most elite athletes compete in one of the most challenging Olympic events – the Modern Pentathlon. This five-event competition requires expertise in the fields of athletics, equestrian, fencing, swimming, and shooting. Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!
September 9, 2002, CordeValle Golf Club, San Martin
This second annual event promises to be even better than last year's inaugural golf tournament. Many Olympians and other professional athletes will play a round of golf 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.
Compiled by Brian Aronstam, BASOC Volunteer
Two U.S. winter sport federations donated more than $11,000 this month to a relief fund for survivors of the World Trade Center attacks. The U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation and U.S. Speedskating raised the money from their members through a joint relief fund created after the tragic events of Sept. 11. The donation, totaling $11,359, was made to the Port Authority Police World Trade Center Disaster Survivors Fund.
Athens promises 'monumental games.' That was how the Greek government responded to the International Olympic Committee this month when concerns were again expressed about the pace of work in preparation for the 2004 Summer Games. The government official responsible for the Games, Minister of Culture Evangelos Venizelos, declared, 'We are going to organize a monumental Games and present a rejuvenated Olympics to the world. Everything is under control.'
With the Winter Olympics spotlight now shifting to his city, Torino (Italy) Mayor Sergio Chiamparino stepped off the plane from Salt Lake City waving the Olympic flag. Chiamparino said it was a 'great thrill' to bring the flag to Torino, where it will fly over the 2006 Winter Games. Valentino Castellani, president of the Torino organizing committee, said of the Salt Lake Games, 'These were intense weeks for the (Torino) delegation. Like the rest of our group, I was particularly impressed by the organizational efficiency (of the Salt Lake organizers), but the best memory I have was of the security team and the volunteers, who carried out their jobs with scruples, attention, and politeness.'
Although several athletes were stripped of their medals after failing drug tests, the chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency gave an upbeat assessment of the Salt Lake Games. Richard Pound, who is also an IOC member, said the problem of doping seemed 'vastly improved' in Salt Lake City compared to previous Olympic competitions and other major world sporting events. Some 1,960 doping control tests were conducted during the 2002 Games, an increase of more than 300 percent over the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano.
Despite popular opposition, the Hungarian Parliament has approved a proposal to submit a bid to host the 2012 Summer Games. The vote came even though a poll conducted in early February showed that 51 percent of Hungarians oppose such a bid, with 45 percent in favor. The Hungarian Olympic Committee and the Budapest local government support the bid, and the Hungarian Ministry for Sports and Youth has commissioned a feasibility study for hosting the Games.
Thinking ahead: The Norwegian village of Lillehammer, which hosted the 1994 Winter Games, wants to stage the Olympics again, in either 2014 or 2018. Norwegian sports stars from 1994 applaud the idea, which would make Lillehammer only the fourth town to host the Games twice.
By Sharon Clark, BASOC Volunteer
The "second largest sporting event in the world," the recently completed Salt Lake City Paralympic Winter Games, was a huge success with daily television coverage that was the best ever seen in the U.S. The Paralympic Winter Games are much smaller than the Paralympic Summer Games, with over 550 athletes from 36 nations competing, compared to the over 4,000 athletes from 125 countries that competed in Sydney in 2000. While the first Paralympic Summer Games were held in 1960, the first winter games debuted 16 years later with 3 events: Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, and Ice Sledge Hockey.
The 2002 U.S. Sledge Hockey team provided some of the most thrilling moments for the home-team fans with their upset 4-3 victory over Norway in a double-overtime shootout to win the gold medal. The U.S. team was seeded sixth out of six teams and finished last in 1998, their first year at the Paralympic Games. This "worst-to-first" turn-around delighted the enthusiastic crowd, as well as the many viewers around the country glued to their televisions.
People enjoy having a chance to see disabled athletes compete. Journalist Laura Kaminker spoke with several fans at the Sydney Paralympics and wrote in Sports Jones Magazine, Oct. 21, 2000, "Whatever their initial reason for attending, the people I spoke with came away with their minds – that is to say, their lives – forever changed. As one man put it, ‘I wish more people could be exposed to this. I'll never look at people in wheelchairs the same way again.' When I asked him, as an able-bodied man, how the Paralympics and the athletes made him feel, he replied, ‘Out of shape.'
For those of you who missed the action this year, stay tuned for the next Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece, from September 17 - 28, 2004. Hopefully, I will be sending you updates from the Olympic Village, reporting first-hand on the exciting competition.
In our efforts to bring the 2012 Olympic Games to our community, we are committed to encouraging the young people of the Bay Area to become involved, educated, and excited about the Olympic Games and its values.
In the spirit of community and contributing to the youth development field, BASOC has created Training for 2012. This youth program provides Olympic-based educational and motivational materials and arranges for Olympic athletes to make public appearances at community centers and schools throughout the Bay Area.
Training for 2012 program materials teach youth about the importance of physical fitness, the Olympic Games, and their surrounding values.
The primary objectives of Training for 2012 are:
To emphasize the importance of physical activity to children while educating them about the Olympic Movement and its surrounding ideals.
To gather the most important lessons learned by Olympians and to make these lessons available to young people.
To give youth the inspiration and skills to envision, plan, and achieve success in their lives.
The Training for 2012 program currently includes over 500 youths in six schools and youth organizations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
By Martina Lauchengco Jones, BASOC Volunteer
For many sports fans, March Mayhem means college basketball. But from March 7th to the 16th, the mayhem for Salt Lake City was playing host to its second Olympic Games—the 2002 Paralympics Winter Games. It was the first time the Paralympic Winter Games were hosted in the United States; many say it will long be touted as the greatest Paralympic Winter Games of its time.
The Paralympic Winter Games has a much longer history than most realize. 1976 marked the first official Paralympic Winter Games in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, but the event actually traces its roots back to 1948 when a visionary Sir Ludwig Guttmann organized a sports competition for World War II vets with spinal cord injuries. Two countries and 130 athletes participated back then; this year, nearly 1,000 athletes and team officials from 36 countries competed in four event categories—Alpine, Biathlon, Cross-country, and Ice-sledge hockey. Unlike the regular Olympic Winter Games, results are not based simply on scores or time. Each race is categorized by sport (i.e. Downhill), a medal class (i.e. sitski, standing, visually impaired), and in some cases, a pre-assigned 'handicap factor' that correlates with an athletes level of mobility/injury. All this factors into the final results calculations which creates as 'neutral' a playing field as possible.
The 2002 Paralympians' results and the event management of Salt Lake has done much to continue to raise the Paralympic Games profile and stature. It also doesn't hurt that the USA took home a record 43 medals, besting the regular squad's haul of 34 medals. Some event highlights include the Women's Alpine squad's 1-2-3 medal sweeps in the Downhill, Giant Slalom, and Super-G (with Sarah Will and Muffy Davis scoring Gold and Silver, respectively, in all three), the Men's Ice-sledge (think ice hockey with two sticks while sit-skating on a small sled) gold medal win over Norway, and the incredible dominance of the European squads in all the Nordic and biathlon events.
These brief highlights provide just a glimpse of how impressive performances of each and every athlete are. The Paralympians inspire us with what they've overcome to be there; their hope, determination, strength, trust, and spirit are examples for us all. May these events see this same spirit continue to live on in all of us.
By Elizabeth Faletti, BASOC Volunteer and Editor
Figure skating is the perfect blend of power, precision, artistry, and passion. No other American male figure skater exemplifies these qualities better than San Francisco's own Brian Boitano. He is unmatched as an U.S. amateur and professional skater. Winning a gold medal at the 1988 Games has allowed Brian to continue competing professionally at the age of 38.
Born in Mt. View and raised in Sunnyvale, Brian's career has taken him around the world and back to the Bay Area where he currently teaches San Francisco school children to skate and to dream. Brian is a current BASOC spokesperson and board member and took time out of his hectic schedule to share his thoughts on the Olympics, Youth Skate, and the future of U.S. men's figure skating.
What is your most memorable Olympic moment?
The 1984 Games were pretty memorable because it was my first. I was only 20 years old. I remember standing in the opening ceremonies and thinking, 'Holy Cow, this is the Olympics.' That's pretty overwhelming. I think the other thing that really made my life and my professional career was winning the ‘88 Olympics. When I am older and playing those tapes back in my mind, that performance will be the moment I'll never forget.
What were you thinking when you finished your gold medal performance?
It wasn't necessarily that I thought that I'd won yet, because I knew that other people had to skate, but it was like, 'There it is, they have to match that.' I had skated my brains out! There's no better feeling than that after being under so much pressure, nailing it, and thinking, 'Oh my God, I did it – I did it!' What made it so fulfilling is that I knew I couldn't make a mistake and win and that's what happened – I skated the performance of my life perfectly.
I heard you suffered an appendicitis attack a few days before you were scheduled to leave for the Salt Lake Games. Is this true?
Yes! I was hired by some companies to go to the men's events, sign autographs, and do other public relations things. It was really difficult because I didn't feel like being around a lot of people after surgery. The hard thing is that your energy is really low and people expect your energy to be high – it's hard to live up to that. The good thing is that everybody knew because it had been in the press so their first question was, 'How are you feeling?' People were really incredible.
What types of projects are you involved in on a professional level?
What I am working on mostly is my own stuff. The reason I left Champions on Ice is because I wanted to do more creative stuff, go out on my own, and do more things. I made it a rule in my professional career that instead of doing the usual thing that professional skaters do, I'd go out in a different direction. I'm working on a bunch of TV shows, different tours, and working on my own stuff. I still get to work with friends and other skaters who are really great.
How exciting was it to see Timothy Gable, an American male, win the bronze medal at the Salt Lake Games?
That was exciting. We haven't had an American male get a medal since Paul Wylie in '92. We haven't won a gold medal since I won in 1988. It would be nice if we could get that in the next four years.
Looking at the skaters coming up, which male skaters do you think could bring the U.S. a gold medal in 2006?
I think Timothy Goebel certainly could if he grows and gets better. He could definitely be a contender for an Olympic gold medal in four years. We have other young guys, as well. I think it's going to be really hard to make it over the established guys the next four years because the Russians are so dominant and so good but you never know. Four years is a long time away!
One of the focuses of bringing the 2012 Olympic Games to San Francisco is leaving a legacy for the children of the Bay Area. Could you tell us a bit about Youth Skate, your youth program?
At Youth Skate, we work with the San Francisco School District. The ages range from 7 to 17. I have a staff of professionals who are there every time the kids visit. We separate them into groups and we introduce them to figure skating. I go and visit with the kids, take them one on one or in bunches. I've met so many nice kids and it's been such a pleasure. It is so important to show kids what else is out there. Figure skating is not on the forefront of their minds when they look at what they would like to do.
As an Olympian and professional athlete, why do you feel San Francisco is the best place for the Olympic Games in 2012?
I think the diversity of the City is one of the key elements because there's every walk of life here. It's the most beautiful city in the entire nation! It's important to have a host city where the people are friendly and helpful. The diversity issue really lends to that. We're so multi-cultural and I don't think you'll find a city that is better at that than San Francisco.
Thank you Brian for taking the time to speak with me. It was a real pleasure. Good luck in all your endeavors!
By Ben Allen, BASOC Volunteer
Among the many stadiums being prepared for the San Francisco Bay Area 2012 Olympic Games, a few stand apart as the region's crown jewels of sports architecture. The Oakland Arena, with its all-glass exterior clinging to a sturdy steel frame, is one of the Bay Area's premier sporting venues and will provide outstanding accommodations for Olympic Basketball.
Built in 1966, the Arena rapidly accomplished its goal of attracting professional sports teams to Oakland. The stadium became home to the Oakland Seals, a National Hockey League expansion team in 1967, and drew basketball's San Francisco Warriors across the Bay soon after. Though hockey left the building in 1976, the now-Golden State Warriors continue to call the Arena home.
As a regular host of professional sporting events and large-scale concerts, the Arena has always been well suited for large crowds and an extensive media presence. A 1998 renovation preserved the stadium's classical exterior but vastly improved its athlete, media, and spectator facilities. New locker rooms were installed, seating was expanded to 19,200, and new club facilities that serve as a media sub-center and lounge were put into place. The 2000 National Basketball Association All-Star Game, which served to test-drive the improved facility, proved the upgrades to be an unqualified success.
One of the Oakland Arena's main attractions is its ease of use. Located just off Highway 880, only two miles from the Oakland airport, the stadium shares its grounds with Network Associates Coliseum, which will host the Olympic Football (Soccer) competition. Parking is abundant, and the location is served by its own dedicated BART station, just a short walk from the Arena's entrance.
"The Arena in Oakland, which has played host to several extravagant events in recent years - including NBA All-Star 2000 - will certainly embrace the challenge of hosting one of the largest events on the world's sporting calendar, the 2012 Olympic Games. The finest basketball complex in Northern California and one of the top venues in the country, The Arena's many amenities and outstanding sightlines always create an intimate basketball experience for fans and help generate unparalleled excitement. We anticipate these attributes will be appreciated by fans from across the globe and, of course, all of the amazing athletes representing their respective countries." – Robert Rowell, COO, Golden State Warriors.
By Randy Haberl, BASOC Volunteer
Larry, better known as Trooper, excelled in all areas in his life by working hard to be a top-notch athlete, an active advocate in the community (especially with children), and is an integral part of BASOC.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I spent my childhood like most kids. When not in school, I was always outside playing sports – basketball, football, soccer, and baseball. Right after graduating from high school in New Mexico, I was involved in a car accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down. I came to California in 1984 where I was itching to get back into sports. Since I love basketball, I joined a local team in 1989.
What was your first exposure to major competition?
I joined a local team called the Golden Gate 76, later known as the Golden Gate Warriors when the NBA franchise sponsored the team. This is a very organized and competitive team and is one of the best in the country. After my first year of competitive play, I was selected to the U.S. National Team in 1990. I was fortunate enough that year to play in the World Wheelchair Games, as well as the Pan-American Games. It has all snowballed from there as I have made the National Team every year since.
What was your most memorable Olympic experience?
My most memorable Olympic moment was at my first Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain in 1992. European fans are passionate about their sports and the fans in Spain are extremely passionate about basketball. At my first game there, we were to play the host nation. When we came out on the court you could feel the intensity. The sellout crowd of about 12,500 was loud and the whistling and taunting was in full force. When the home team came out onto the court, the noise level went beyond what I could ever imagine. The place shook – it was simply amazing. It was awesome to feel the intensity.
What is your training schedule now?
I work out daily for conditioning and practice two days a week with the team. I do all my roadwork and daily training on my own. As a team, we spend about three hours a session with intensive workouts. It's getting tougher with all the younger kids coming up the ranks and the competition level is better. It's not easy since I'm getting up there in age a bit. I am trying once again to make the U.S. National Team but it will be more difficult this go around.
Who was your most influential mentor?
My dad. He never competed in sports growing up but made sure that anytime I wanted to play I could. He gave me the determination and drive to compete, especially after the accident. I don't know if it was the accident or what but he was such an inspiration and I have been really aware of his commitment since the accident. He's most definitely a mentor for my life.
How did you become involved with BASOC and what is your role?
It seems I've known Anne Cribbs forever. I met her years ago at a Hoop it Up tournament. I'm on BASOC's Paralympic Committee and I am starting to work with the Talking for 2012 program and hope to talk to as many people about the Bid as I can.
How else are you involved in your community?
I work with a group in San Jose called the VMC Foundation. I go to schools and other functions and talk about Drugs and Alcohol Prevention to kids. My accident was an alcohol related incident so I try and show them how important it is to make better choices then I did. I also show them that people in wheelchairs can do anything they want to. I play basketball against the kids and show them that all their dreams and possibilities in life can come true with the right choices. I was fortunate to carry the Olympic Torch in San Francisco last month and hand the torch off to Barry Bonds.
Do you have any words of advice to other athletes?
Chase your dreams. Don't doubt that you have put everything you have into your dream. It doesn't matter if you make it or not, just make sure you try your hardest.
Tell us more about your other activities.
Well, in 1998 I climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park for the first time. We went pretty much right up the face of the mountain. I later climbed it again in a speed climb which was very challenging and lots of work. I will be climbing it again for a fundraiser for the VMC Foundation soon.
As you can see, Larry 'Trooper' Johnson, is definitely an inspiration to all of us. Thanks Trooper!
By Lauren Brock, BASOC Volunteer
Most people walk into a baseball stadium for a game and head straight for their seats, but Denis Henmi wants to distract them. He wants people to spend time looking around and interacting with the venue itself – before, during, and after the game has finished. His firm, Kwan Henmi Architecture Planning, Inc., designed the interior of Pac Bell Park, the new home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team, and a stadium that has become an extremely popular community attraction.
As a San Francisco native who graduated with an architecture degree from UC Berkeley, Denis Henmi knew that the Bay Area would forever be his home. He co-founded his own San Francisco design firm in 1980 and moved his family to Marin County where he now resides. Denis became involved with youth sports while raising his children and served as the Youth Soccer Commissioner for three years and coached or managed youth soccer, baseball, and basketball for over eight years. His firm seeks out projects that benefit the community. Denis recently talked to us about his love of sport and architectural design.
What first led you to become involved in BASOC and what is your current role?
I have been interested in BASOC since I learned of the 2012 bid a year ago. I was first introduced to Jim Woolwine, a BASOC board member, at an energy conservation discussion hosted by Gray Davis last spring and mentioned my work in sport facility design. He arranged a lunch with himself and Anne Cribbs where I offered my services and Anne invited me to join the Board. Since then, I have visited Salt Lake City several times to view their facilities and to survey public opinion on the impact of the construction that took place. I have also been working on graphics for the revised bid proposal and on designing an information booth for BASOC to use at local sporting events.
What has been the most successful athletic facility your firm has worked on?
The most high profile success has definitely been the Pac Bell Park project for the San Francisco Giants. Not only was it rewarding to be involved in a project for a professional team with high visibility, it was also the starting point of the redevelopment of the entire China Basin/Mission Bay District. Pac Bell Park kicked off several large construction projects for the community, including new and affordable housing for residents of the area.
What are the biggest challenges of designing Olympic athletic venues?
When the sports being showcased are the main event, the challenge is to ensure that the venue is engaging on its own, with or without the Olympic stars. It should be a venue that is exciting, modern, and versatile enough to attract visitors once the Olympics are gone.
What kind of work will the Bay Area's athletic facilities need to accommodate the Olympics?
Fortunately, so many of the Bay Area athletic facilities are already top-notch. Except the new facilities proposed in Monterey and Sacramento, very little construction would be needed in the venues themselves other than adding Olympic touches and some interactive visitor signage.
Describe a moment or memory of Olympic history that inspires you.
Most recently, I took my son with me to Salt Lake City to watch the men's skeleton event. Watching Jim Shea win the gold medal by the tightest of margins to make history as a third generation Olympic-medallist was very exciting. The apparent bond between father, son, and grandson was very moving for my son and I, and it was a great moment for the U.S. Olympic team, as well.
When the Bay Area hosts the 2012 Olympic Games, what events will you try to see?
I'd like to see events that have always drawn big Olympic crowds, such as track & field and gymnastics, but I'd also like to attend some of the smaller events like fencing that are rarely showcased in the U.S. Also, my goddaughter recently won a gold medal at the Taekwondo World Championships, so I hope to see her competing for the U.S. Olympic team in 2012.
Thanks for speaking with us Denis, and good luck on all of your current projects!
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-newsletter writing provided by dedicated BASOC volunteers, editing by Berta Lim, and writing and editing by Elizabeth Faletti of The Write Stuff! - Berkeley, CA (510) 486-1843.
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