Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has declared Friday, February 12, as “Connecticut Olympians Day” to recognize and honor the athletes with ties to the state who are competing or coaching in the XXI Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.
The XXI Winter Olympic Games will begin with the opening ceremony on Friday and conclude on Sunday, February 28. According to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), 10 Olympians who are from Connecticut or have ties to the state are members of the 2010 Team USA, which consists of a total of 216 athletes (123 men and 93 women).
“In these tough economic times, we look for bright spots – something to remind us of how special it is to live in this great state,” Governor Rell said. “Starting Friday, these 10 Olympians will give all of us something positive to look forward to as we watch them compete against the world’s best in their respective sports. These men and women are now part of our country’s history and I could not be prouder of them.
“Athletes from all over the world have dreams of one day participating in the Olympics,” the Governor said. “Today, I am proud to honor 10 Olympians from right here in Connecticut who are not only representing the state but the entire nation in the 2010 winter games. These Olympians are role models – not only for young athletes but for anyone who works hard and dedicates themselves to achieving their goals in life.”
These Olympians with ties to Connecticut are competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics (according to a list provided by USOC and other published reports):
· Caitlin Cahow (hometown: Branford) Women’s Ice Hockey – defenseman
· Julie Chu (hometown: Fairfield) Women’s Ice Hockey – forward
· Chris Drury (hometown: Trumbull) Men’s Ice Hockey – forward
“I want all of these talented athletes to know that Connecticut wishes them well and that we look forward to their homecoming so we can congratulate them and thank them for representing our country with the highest level of respect and sportsmanship,” Governor Rell said. “They are considered ‘America’s athletes,’ but they will always be ‘Connecticut’s athletes’ to us.”
Some of the featured sports at the games include: Alpine and cross-country skiing, figure skating, speed skating, bobsledding, ski jumping, men’s and women’s ice hockey, luge and others winter sports.
For more information on Team USA and the XXI Winter Olympic Games, visit www.teamusa.org
