On or around each June 23rd, thousands of communities around the world celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the modern-day Olympic Games. For the past two years the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition has hosted a Family Festival at the University of Nevada’s Mackay Stadium, allowing youth and kids at heart the opportunity to try various Olympic sports and to learn about the Olympic Values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship.
Now, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Unites States Olympic Committee (USOC) have recognized the RTWGC’s day-long Family Festival in each organization’s annual summary of Olympic Day activities. View the USOC 2012 Olympic Day Summary Report here.
A photograph taken by Reno-based photographer Chris Holloman, owner of Katipo Creative, appears on the top third of the front cover of the USOC’s eight-page summary. The picture captured three kids, adorned with medals received for completing sports activities, flexing their right biceps inside the stadium. On page seven of the summary, two sequential pictures of a young boy taking his first attempt on the pole vault also appear.
“We are honored and very appreciative of the USOC’s showcasing our Family Festival in its annual summary,” said Paul Heglar, RTWGC Community Outreach and Family Festival Coordinator. “It’s a credit to our many volunteers and our Olympians and Paralympians in attendance that makes the event so special for the kids and families who participate.”
The IOC then asked the UOSC for the photos and included them in its recently published eighty-two page annual summary. According to the USOC, it marked the first time that a United States-based Olympic Day celebration was highlighted in the IOC publication. The recognition would not have been possible without Holloman’s photos as well as a video created by local videographer Bryon Evans. Holloman is featured on page five of the IOC summary.
“Chris and Bryon epitomized the spirit of our celebration, giving their time and talent for an event they believe in,” said RTWGC Chief Executive Officer Jon Killoran. “They skillfully and creatively captured the essence of sport and sportsmanship at the Festival. I am thrilled that their work as well as our Festival is a part of bringing the message of Olympic Day to an ever growing audience”.
Plans are already in the works for this June’s third annual Olympic Day Family Festival. We’ll keep you posted.
“We are committed to promoting the Olympic Movement throughout our region,” said Heglar. “We want to continue growing the Family Festival and attracting more people each year.”
