The Olympic Spirit Shines in Colorado
The Olympics’ opening ceremony is tonight, and for two or so weeks, the world’s best winter sports athletes will take center stage, landing incredible jumps, breaking speed records and competing on behalf of their countries. I love the Olympics, and fully expect to be swept away in the spirit when I’m in Colorado next week.But first, Colorado is rolling out the white – or snowy – carpet to commemorate the Olympic Games. If you’re in any of these areas, be sure to check out these events and let the Olympic spirit shine.
Today, the Colorado Springs Downtown Olympic Celebration will highlight the arrival of Team USA to Sochi and the Opening Ceremony on a 17-foot LCD TV. Other fun activities include the Short and Sweet Downtown Dash, ice rink activities, community toboggan and snowshoe races and more.
Colorado Springs Downtown Olympic Celebration. Photo courtesy of VisitCOS.com.
And if you’re in Colorado Springs, don’t forget to visit the Olympic Training Center, the HQ for the USOC and one of three Olympic Training Centers in the US. A 45-minute walking tour takes you through training facilities year-round.
- Visiting the Olympic Training Center. Photo courtesy of VisitCOS.com.
Dave Christian, a 1980 US hockey team member who took home the gold in the Lake Placid Olympics, will be on hand for today’s Keystone Resort Opening Ceremony Viewing Party.
Through February 9, the 101st Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival and Night Extravaganza transforms the town into a winter activities hotspot. Tomorrow night, February 8, the town will light up the night with amazing fireworks and entertainment, including the legendary Lighted Man – a skier flanked with lights and fireworks – and Winter Sports Club athletes jumping off ski jumps and through hoops of fire.
Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival. Photo: Scott Bideau.
Photo: Scott Bideau
From noon – 8 p.m. on February 15, the USOC brings the magic of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to Vail with the Road To Sochi Tour in Vail. Five US Olympians will be on hand, including Tai Babilonia, Chad Hendrick, Billy Kidd, Diann Roffe and Donna Weinbrecht. Fans are invited to come to the free event and try their skills in any number of interactive sports elements.
Road to Sochi Tour. Photo courtesy of U.S. Olympic Committee.
Also on February 15, from 6 – 11 p.m., watch the Olympic Games at the exclusive, tickets-only Team USA Club Celebration in Vail at Bōl. In addition to the broadcast, family activities will be available, as well as the opportunity to mingle, bowl and even skate with Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Game on!
