Legislature(1997 - 1998)
03/26/1997 01:50 PM Senate JUD
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SJR 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD WINTER GAMES
JOE AMBROSE , legislative assistant to Senator Taylor, prime sponsor
of SJR 19, read the following sponsor statement.
SJR 19 offers the support of the Alaska State Legislature to the
efforts of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Committee to
secure Anchorage as the site of the 2001 World Winter Games.
Chaired by Patti McGuire of Anchorage, and honorary chairman
Senator Ted Stevens, the committee is preparing for a site
inspection in April and formal presentation of its bid in May.
Mrs. McGuire has stated that the support of the Legislature is
crucial to the success of this effort.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games play a vital part in the
mission of Special Olympics International, founded by Mrs. Eunice
Kennedy Shriver. Special Olympics seeks to provide year-round
sports training and athletic competition for children eight years
old and older and for adults with mental retardation.
Holding the 2001 Winter Games in Anchorage will put the Alaska
Special Olympics program in the spotlight. The games will leave a
legacy that will allow Special Olympics in Alaska to expand and
include more of the indigenous people of our State.
The Game will also spotlight Anchorage and all of Alaska,
attracting as many as 6,000 athletes, coaches, family members and
volunteers. Holding the games in Anchorage will leave the
community with permanent improvements to existing winter sport
facilities and highlight Alaska for ten days during the winter
months.
Throughout the quest to locate the games in Anchorage, the Special
Olympics World Winter Games Committee will continue to emphasize
the real importance of this event. That is the opportunity it will
give to Special Olympians from around the world to experience the
joy of competition, demonstrate courage and share in the gifts,
skills and friendships that personify Special Olympics
International.
JIM BALAMACI , Executive Director of Special Olympics Alaska,
testified via teleconference and stated holding the Special
Olympics Games in Anchorage in 2001 would be one of the greatest
gifts that could be given to Alaska and to the world concerning
special olympics.
SENATOR PEARCE disclosed that she serves on the Board of Governors
for Alaska's Special Olympics. She thanked Senator Taylor for
sponsoring SJR 19 and moved SJR 19 out of committee with individual
recommendations. There being no objection, the motion carried.
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