Hosting an event as significant as the 2002 Winter Olympic games has a lasting impact on the community. A decade after the world turned its attention to Salt Lake, the people of our state still benefit from those 16 amazing days.

“The Olympics touched every Utahn,” said Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, who served as chief Olympic officer during the Games. “The human drama and satisfaction of sport – personal best, joy of effort, and fair competition – continue to inspire Utahns.”

“The Olympics became the first global event since the 9/11 terrorist attacks,” said Natalie Gochnour, executive vice president at the Salt Lake Chamber, who served as Gov. Mike Leavitt’s spokeswoman during the Games. “Our love of country and mankind took center stage, an experience buried deep in the hearts of Utahns. It was truly inspiring service we provided to the nation and to the world.”

Arts
The impact of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games extends beyond the playing field. The Cultural Olympiad remains part of the community as symbolized by the Chihuly “Torch” at Abravanel Hall.

Environment
More than 100 thousand trees were planted in Utah as a living Olympic legacy; 15 million trees were planted worldwide.

Children
138,000 school children attended the Olympics at no charge. These Utahns now watch the Olympics in other countries with a first-hand knowledge of the excitement and drama of the Games. Every Utah high school received an Olympic torch to ensure the memory of the Games would remain for future generations of Utahns.

Utah overwhelmed the world with our spirit of generosity and volunteerism. Some 18,000 gave freely of their time and talents to ensure the success of the Games and to be a part of the Olympic experience. Volunteerism remains alive and well in Utah.