Our organization, the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition, has led that vision for the past ten years and was now faced with a decision.  Leave our work for a future group to pick up or forge forward, continuing to promote Reno-Tahoe as a premier sports tourism destination and a region which embraces the Olympic Movement.  The answer was simple; we continue our work and also broaden our horizons to create other opportunities in the shorter term.

To that end, the past six months have been both interesting and very productive!

We have secured two historic events for Nevada over the past couple of months.  The Continental Cup of Curling, a Ryder-Cup like four-day tournament, will be coming to the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas January 16-19, 2014.  Initial tickets sales have been very strong, especially popular with Canadian residents who spend part of their winter in the western United States.  The World Curling Federation (WCF) Congress, held annually, will be coming to Reno-Tahoe in the late summer of 2014.  Both of these events will be making their United States debut and we are honored by the faith placed in us to stage them by the WCF, the Canadian Curling Association and the United States Curling Association.

Reno-Tahoe was honored to be added to the Executive Committee of the World Union of Olympic Cities last October.  RTWGC vice chairman Hawley MacLean will serve in this capacity.

We also received special recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the USOC for our Olympic Day Family Festival, held last June at UNR’s Mackay Stadium.

Over 200 attendees joined us last November to enshrine the latest class into the Reno Tahoe International Sports Hall of Fame.  The evening honored Olympic freestyle skier Shannon Bahrke, former MLB pitcher Shawn Estes, legendary local high school coach Joe Sellers, multi-sport star Wayne Adams and the student-athletes of Winnemucca’s Lowry High School.  Our volunteer team, led by RTWGC Director of Development Keri Cassinelli, did a wonderful job in making the night at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa so memorable!

When organizers for the Winter X Games approached the RTWGC about the region’s interest in hosting them, we made sure the region’s top resorts were aware and ready to proceed.  We are excited that they are doing so and look forward to offering any assistance in ensuring that the bid is the best it can be.

Then just before the holidays, the USOC announced it would reach out to cities/regions with interest in hosting the 2024 Summer Games or the 2026 Winter Games.  We have let their leadership know that when they are ready to meet we are ready for them.

You can read more detail about each of these topics in this newsletter.

The truth is, none of the above would have happened if not for Reno-Tahoe’s Olympic Heritage and its dream of bringing the Games back.  Proceeding on this journey, which we have said is a marathon and not a sprint, will continue to bring shorter term opportunities to showcase all that we have to offer the world of sport.  At a time when our entire region has to work that much harder to market itself, sport tourism is one of the ingredients that can lead to a brighter future, and think of the fun bringing events to the region will offer all of us!

We at the RTWGC are rolling up our sleeves tighter than ever and will work with our growing list of local, regional, national and international partners to bring a steady flow of sporting events to Reno-Tahoe and oh yes, keep that flame flickering for a potential Winter Games future.

As always, thanks to all of you who have provided your time, talent and treasure to this mission and we appreciate your continued support!

“The response has been exhilarating,” said RTWGC Chief Executive Officer Jon Killoran. “Our organizing team thought that a Cup competition in Las Vegas could strike a chord with curling fans.”

The RTWGC has partnered with the World Curling Federation (WCF), Canadian Curling Association (CCA) and the United States Curling Association (USCA) to secure the Ryder-Cup like competition for its U.S. debut.  The RTWGC is being assisted by 1960 Olympic swimming gold medalist Anne Cribbs in staging the Continental Cup.  Cribbs has significant experience in putting on international events in her role as president/CEO of the Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee.

“We want the athletes to come to Las Vegas for a competition like no other,” said Cribbs. “We plan to provide them with high-level facilities and also to have the event be a springboard to promote curling to a wider U.S. audience.”

All-session tickets for the four-day competition are now on sale as are Oreland Hotel and Casino accommodations/ticket packages.  Mimi-packs and single day tickets will go on sale later this year.  For ticket and hotel/ticket package information click here.

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.”

The UMVO is a fraternal organization of cities and regions which have hosted past Olympic Games, are scheduled to host them or wish to host them in the future.  Reno-Tahoe was the backdrop for the 1960 Olympic Winter Games at Squaw Valley and has expressed interest as a region to host them again.  The UMVO’s mission is to nurture and promote Olympic legacies and to further promote the Olympic Movement in member cities.  It is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which also holds two of the seats on the UMVO Executive Committee.

“To be a part of the important conversation on Olympic legacies is an honor,” said MacLean.  “We will do everything we can as an organization and a region to help promote the legacies of the Olympic Movement.  I also want to do everything I can to make the UMVO as successful as possible.”

RTWGC Chief Executive Officer Jon Killoran and board member Carolyn Wallace Dee attended the initial UMVO Lausanne Summit in October of 2008. Killoran has attended all but one of the annual gatherings since and feels MacLean, who began attending them after becoming a RTWGC board member in 2010, is the perfect fit to represent the coalition and the region.”

“From the first day Hawley joined the RTWGC he has been a passionate advocate of our region’s involvement at all levels of the Olympic Movement,” said Killoran. “He loves what they stand for and believes in helping the UMVO reach its goals to the highest level.”

MacLean displayed his love for Reno Tahoe and its capabilities during a presentation to the UMVO membership.  He explained how his home region embraces all things Olympic and how it stands ready to host international sports competitions and events.

The next UMVO Lausanne Summit will be held later this fall in Lausanne, Switzerland, the headquarters of the IOC and many of the International Federations of Sport.

The news did not surprise the leadership of the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition (RTWGC) which, for the past decade, has led the effort to position the region as the next North American host of the Olympic Winter Games.

“The USOC is not facing an urgent deadline to submit a bid,” said Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki, RTWGC Chairman.  “We trust in their leadership and processes in determining the best course of action for a future U.S. bid.  At the same time, we certainly continue the work necessary to prepare a world-class Reno Tahoe winter proposal.”

The RTWGC also plans to continue on its parallel mission to promote the region as a premier sports tourism destination, while also keeping the flame flickering for a future time when the USOC chooses to entertain a winter bid.

“Our recent success in securing the World Financial Group Continental Cup of Curling for Las Vegas in January of 2014 and the World Curling Federation’s Annual Congress for Reno-Tahoe in the summer of 2014 are just the latest opportunities to showcase our region and state as a desirable destination,” said Jon Killoran, RTWGC Chief Executive Officer.  “We will continue to work with our partners throughout the region to bring more elite competitions and events to Reno-Tahoe.

Last summer, the USOC chose to forego the opportunity to bid for the 2022 Winter Games.  Instead, it commissioned a five-member working group to research whether the U.S. would be better positioned for a potentially successful bid on the 2024 Summer Games or 2026 Winter Games.  The group, comprised of four USOC board members (Suzanne Lyons, Dave Ogrean, Mike Plant, and Angela Ruggiero) as well as U.S. International Olympic Committee board member Anita DeFrantz provided its report to the full USOC board during today’s meeting.

“Reno Tahoe enjoys a tremendous Olympic Heritage, having hosted the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Games and being the home base for dozens of Olympians and Paralympians,” said Krolicki.  “We firmly believe our region offers a unique opportunity to stage Winter Games that will promote the highest levels of competition and culture with the strictest standards of Olympic Ideals.”

The Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition (RTWGC) partnered with the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) in preparing the successful bid.  United States Curling Association Chief Operating Officer Rick Patzke made the successful presentation of the bid during the WCF’s Congress in Turnberry, Scotland this past October.

ESPN, which owns the X Games franchise selected Tahoe as one of the regions invited to bid for the 2015-17 Winter X Games.

“Hosting an event of this caliber would provide significant economic impact for the destination,” said Carol Chaplin, Executive Director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “The demographics of the X Games align perfectly with attractions and appeal of Lake Tahoe and its combination of outdoor recreation, spectacular natural beauty and 24-hour lifestyle.”

Competitions would be conducted at Heavenly Mountain Resort and Squaw Valley.

“Lake Tahoe is the ideal stage for a competition as big as the X Games,” said Peter Sonntag, Vice President and General Manager of Heavenly Mountain Resort. “Combine unmatched scenic beauty with huge snow and a thriving nightlife and entertainment scene, and you’ve got an event that no one will want to miss.”

ESPN’s X Games officials intend to announce bid finalists this April and name the hosts around the end of this year.  Aspen, which has hosted the Winter X Games annually since 2002 and will continue to do so through 2014, is also in the running for the new three-year contract.  Quebec City in Canada was also identified as was Park City, Utah.  However, officials in the town which hit the world map as part of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, decided against continuing to pursue the bid, citing timing and financial requirements.

For immediate release: 6 December 2012

Perth, Scotland – The World Curling Federation (WCF) has announced that Copenhagen, Denmark will host the 2013 WCF Annual Congress and Reno Tahoe in the USA will host the event in 2014.

The Danish capital, Copenhagen, will welcome delegates to the second WCF Annual Congress between the 26th of August to the 2nd of September 2013. Reno Tahoe in Nevada, USA will host the third WCF Annual Congress between the 25th of August and 1st of September 2014.

WCF President, Kate Caithness was pleased to confirm both host cities, having received a number of bids following the inaugural WCF Annual Congress which was held in Turnberry, Scotland, in October this year.

She said: “The World Curling Federation is looking forward to going to Copenhagen and Reno Tahoe for our next two Annual Congresses. Both the Danish Curling Association and United States Curling Association submitted excellent bids and have forged strong local partnerships to ensure the success of these events. Both Copenhagen and Reno Tahoe offer exceptional environments for our delegates to meet and discuss the key issues shaping the WCF and the sport of curling today.”

Sport Event Denmark has been instrumental in the Copenhagen bid and will continue to be a major partner in the planning process for the 2013 Congress. Sport Event Denmark CEO, Lars Lundov, is looking forward to hosting the second WCF Annual Congress in Denmark and is pleased to see the country’s association with curling continue.

He said: “We are delighted, together with the Danish Curling Association and our city partners, to host the WCF Annual Congress in 2013 in our capital Copenhagen. In 2011, the Danish city of Esbjerg had the honour of hosting the World Women’s Curling Championship. Now, we have been given the responsibility of hosting the WCF Annual Congress in 2013 we aim to make it a great success.”

Nevada Lieutenant Governor and Chairman of the Reno Tahoe Winter Games, Brian Krolicki, was equally delighted that Reno Tahoe was confirmed as host of the 2014 WCF Annual Congress.

He said: “We are honored to have the World Curling Federation select Reno Tahoe as the first North American region to host its Annual Congress. Coupled with Las Vegas hosting the WFG Continental Cup of Curling, Nevada plans to shine a bright spotlight on the sport of curling in the Olympic year – 2014.”

Christopher Baum, President and CEO of Reno Tahoe USA, added, “Our team was delighted to work with U.S. Curling on their successful bid, and we look forward to hosting this distinguished group during Northern Nevada’s prime tourist and special events season.”

The inaugural WCF Annual Congress was held in Turnberry, Scotland between the 16th and 19th of October this year. Over 100 delegates from around the world attended representing the majority of the WCF’s 50 Member Associations. The WCF Annual Congress incorporates the Annual General Assembly, which will be held on Saturday the 31st of August 2013 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Reno, USA will host the 2014 Annual General Assembly during the 2014 Annual Congress.

ENDS

About the WCF
The World Curling Federation (WCF) is the international sport federation governing the Olympic winter sport of curling and the Paralympic winter sport of wheelchair curling. The WCF is one of seven International Sports Federations currently part of the Winter Olympic programme. It represents 50 Member Associations and is generally acknowledged to direct one of the fastest-growing international winter sports. www.worldcurling.org

Media Contacts
Joanna Kelly & Danny Parker
WCF Media Relations
media@worldcurling.org
Tel: +372 592 442 35

Jon Killoran
Chief Executive Officer
Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition
jon.killoran@renotahoewintergames.org
(c) +1 775-342-3444
(o) +1 775-622-3345

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Nov. 27, 2012) - The world’s best curlers are coming to Las Vegas.

In a joint announcement today by the Canadian Curling Association (CCA), U.S. Curling Association (USCA), World Curling Federation (WCF) and the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition (RTWGC), it was revealed that the 2014 World Financial Group Continental Cup will be staged January 16-19 at the 9,500-seat Orleans Arena, home to the East Coast Hockey League’s Las Vegas Wranglers.

It marks the first time that the event will be held in the United States and the first time outside of Canada. It also will be the first time that Las Vegas has hosted a curling event of this magnitude. It is anticipated that most, if not all, the competitors will be competing just weeks before traveling to compete in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

“Las Vegas is one of the iconic destinations in the world,” said World Curling Federation President Kate Caithness. “The World Curling Federation and its partners, the World Financial Group, the Canadian Curling Association and the U.S. Curling Association, are thrilled to be able to showcase the sport of curling and its top international players in such a high profile location just ahead of the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”

The CCA, USCA and WCF have been targeting Las Vegas for a tournament and have been in discussions with the RTWGC, a non-profit corporation created in 2003, to form a partnership to host the Continental Cup. Becoming a partner to host this international event showcases one of the organization’s primary missions.

“The Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition has a long-established commitment to bringing elite sporting events to Nevada,” said Brian Krolicki, Nevada Lieutenant Governor and RTWGC Chairman. “We are honored to partner with the World Curling Federation, the Canadian Curling Association and USA Curling to bring the World Financial Group Continental Cup of Curling to the United States for the first time.”

Added Rossi Ralenkotter, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, “We are excited to showcase the World Financial Group Continental Cup in Las Vegas. With our world-class resorts, entertainment, shopping, dining and nightlife, Las Vegas offers a one-of-a-kind experience for the teams and the fans.”

While thousands are expected to make the trip to Las Vegas to watch the historic tournament, Canadian fans won’t miss a minute of the action back home. TSN, Canada’s leading sports network, along with French sports network RDS, will televise all of the action. Other international and U.S. television details are being finalized.

“The stars have finally aligned. The many years of effort by countless people are finally paying off, and I’d say the odds are that this event will be a winner in Las Vegas,” said Rick Patzke, Chief Operating Officer of the United States Curling Association.

The WFG Continental Cup is a unique, Ryder Cup-style competition pitting six four-person teams (three women’s and three men’s) from North America (two from USA, four from Canada) against six teams representing The World, in a variety of curling disciplines over a four-day period – Team Games, Mixed Doubles, Singles, Skins and Mixed Skins, with each segment worth a specified number of points. Each side will also have a captain and a coach.

Presently, North America and The World are deadlocked at four wins apiece since the inaugural Cup in 2002 in Regina, Saskatchewan. The tie will be broken in two months when the 2013 Continental Cup takes place in Penticton, British Columbia.

“The World Financial Group Continental Cup continues to build momentum and demonstrate its special place in the sport of curling,” explained Greg Stremlaw, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Curling Association. “We felt that this would be a great profile for the sport with some of the world’s greatest curling athletes coming to Vegas only weeks before the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.”
Event tickets are expected to go on sale in early 2013.

For further information:

Greg Stremlaw
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Curling Association
Office: 613-834-2076 x117
Cell: 613-799-9993
gstremlaw@curling.ca
www.curling.ca

Joanna Kelly or Daniel Parker
Media Relations
World Curling Federation
media@worldcurling.org
www.worldcurling.org

Terry Kolesar
Director of Communications
USA Curling
terry.kolesar@usacurl.org
715-344-1199, Ext. 202
Cell: 608-338-9900

Jon Killoran
Chief Executive Officer
Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition
Cell: 775-342-3444
Office: 775-622-3345
jon.killoran@renotahoewintergames.org

Order tickets here: www.rtwgc-ishof.eventbrite.com

RENO TAHOE WINTER GAMES COALITION
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS HALL OF FAME DINNER GALA

Athletes to be enshrined for their accomplishments on and off the field

WHAT:

The Reno-Tahoe region has a proud history of producing world class athletes including dozens of Olympians, Paralympians, coaches and sports pioneers. Many of them still make the region their home and continue to carry on the tradition of sport legacy by helping develop the next generation of talent. It is the commitment of the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition (RTWGC) to honor these premiere sports figures and their endeavors by creating The Reno Tahoe International Sports Hall of Fame. This gala event will honor their career achievements as well as their contribution to our communities. This formal and festive evening will proudly induct four of the region’s finest in competitive sport.

Inductees include:

Wayne Adams:

The Reno native won three consecutive Nevada State Amateur Golf Championships (1947-49), competed in golf and skiing for the University of Nevada was a winner of the famed Silver Dollar Derby ski race and was the first winner of the Reno Air Race in 1964. Adams also flew F4s and F15s in the U.S. Air Force and was the commander of the Reno Air National Guard.

Shannon Bahrke:

Born in Reno and raised in Tahoe City, Shannon is the only U.S. women to win multiple Olympic Freestyle Skiing medals. She won a silver medal in Moguls during the 2002 Salt Lake Games and a bronze medal in the same event during the 2010 Vancouver Games. Shannon is also the 2003 World Cup Champion. Shannon reached the podium in duel moguls at a pair of World Championships and is the 2009 U.S. National Champion.

Shawn Estes:

The Douglas High graduate was the 11th player selected in the 1991 Major League Baseball Draft by the Seattle Mariners. Shawn made his biggest splash in the majors after being traded to the San Francisco Giants in 1995. He won a career-high 19 games in 1996 and helped the Giants win a pair of division titles (1997 & 2000). Shawn ended his career with 101 victories, making him the only northern Nevadan to win at least 100 MLB games.

Joe Sellers:

First moved to Reno to attend the University of Nevada to play football after serving in the military. The longtime high school coach, administrator and athletic director served in various roles at three area high schools (Hug, Wooster and Bishop Manogue). While most noted for his years as a football coach, Joe also coached wrestling, baseball and softball. Seller’s teams won 250 of the 295 games while he was on the sidelines and his Wooster Colts won seven large school state championships, making him the coach with the most wins in Nevada football history.

High School Athletic Achievement Awards:

This award is new to our program in 2012. Deserving athletes, teams or schools are recognized for their accomplishments in the field of play and/or the classroom and their communities. We are pleased to announce winners for this inaugural honor:

Lowry High School, Winnemucca:

The student-athletes of this north central Nevada community have excelled to record levels both on and off the playing field over the past few years. The Buckaroos have claimed eight state championships in a variety of sports, including four consecutive wrestling titles. As impressively, Lowry’s student athletes set a Nevada record during the 2011-12 school year producing nine state academic championship teams.

WHEN:

Saturday, Nov.17, 2012 starting at 5:30pm (PST)

WHERE:

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia St., Reno, Nev.

WHO:

Formed in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the RTWGC’ s mission is to promote the Olympic Movement throughout Reno-Tahoe by hosting, facilitating, and embracing competitions and events showcasing the region’s ability to be a premier sports destination. The private and public sector supporters that comprise the RTWGC are committed to the mission of having Reno-Tahoe selected as the next North American region to host the Olympic Winter Games.

WHY:

Reno-Tahoe has a proud history of producing world-class athletes including dozens of Olympians and Paralympians. Many of those athletes call Reno-Tahoe home and carry on our sporting legacy by helping develop the next generation of talent. The RTWGC is committed to honoring these premier athletes, coaches, and sports pioneers for their accomplishments and contributions to the region. The RTWGC’s International Sports Hall of Fame has been created to forever enshrine the best of our elite athletes and to celebrate their careers.

TICKETS:

Order tickets or get more information at www.rtwgc-ishof.eventbrite.com