Tracking the Games' history
Decades of growth, hugs, winners


(Published: February 23, 2001)
The story behind the Special Olympics dates back almost 40 years when Eunice Kennedy Shriver turned her Rockville, Md., family home into a summer day camp for 100 disabled youth and adults.

World Games Timeline

(Published: February 23, 2001)
July, 1968 - Chicago

Flame burns brightly

(Published: February 23, 2001)
The torch that lights the flame for the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games began as a clump of grass in Athens, Greece.

Torch run schedule

(Published: February 24, 2001)
Here's the schedule (subject to change) for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

'You wouldn't know me'
Shaunti Johnson, Homer, snowshoeing


(Published: February 23, 2001)
Long, jet-black hair and exotic looks are the physical signs of Shaunti Johnson's roots, but the 19-year-old Homer woman doesn't miss her childhood days in Calcutta, India. She found the good life at age 7 when she was adopted by Vicki and Pat Johnson of Homer.

Mr. Outgoing lets his actions speak for him on the ice and off
Ernie Barker, Anchorage, figure skating


(Published: February 23, 2001)
Spend two minutes around 11-year-old figure skater Ernie Barker of Anchorage and you'll understand why his dad calls him Mr. Outgoing.

'I was a couch potato'
John Magalotti, Juneau, snowboarding


(Published: February 23, 2001)
John Magalotti, 19, got his first day on snow this year at Alyeska when he flew from Juneau to participate in state Winter Games in Anchorage in early February. Alaska's unseasonally warm winter meant his regular snowboarding territory, Eagle Crest, hadn't yet opened.

They're high on hockey
Amy and Dan Canavan, Kodiak, Floor hockey


(Published: February 23, 2001)
Amy and Dan Canavan play for the Kodiak Bears, a floor hockey team representing the United States at the World Winter Games.

Home from Greece with a goal
Sarah Maas, Anchorage, Cross-country skiing


(Published: February 23, 2001)
For 20-year-old Sarah Maas of Anchorage, the road to the World Winter Games included a detour to Athens, Greece.

'I like to go fast'
Amy murrills, Fairbanks, speed skating


(Published: February 23, 2001)
Ask Amy Murrills, 28, what's so special about the Special Olympics and she'll tell you, ''I have a boyfriend.'' He's fellow speed skater Pete Neubert, 31. They met as teammates for Special Olympics in Fairbanks.

Living on the mountain
Andre Coulombe, Palmer, Alpine Skiing


(Published: February 23, 2001)
Andre Coulombe, 26, could probably ski you right off the nearest mountain.

Finding out 'There's a Hero'
12-year old will solo during opening ceremonies


(Published: February 23, 2001)
You wouldn't guess it, watching sandy-haired James Schell, 12, summit a mountain of snow outside his home near Jewel Lake.

Arnold Schwarzenegger tops list of entertainment stars expected in town

(Published: February 23, 2001)
The 1999 Special Olympics in North Carolina featured Billy Crystal and Stevie Wonder. That's all fine and dandy if you're old, said Gloria Allen, the events coordinator for the 2001 World Winter Games in Anchorage. Allen wanted youth, entertainers the athletes could identify with, create an international language of music.

Event Schedule
Competition times and venues


(Published: February 23, 2001)
Kincaid Park

Egan Center is 'home'
Special Olympics Town features Alaska activities


(Published: February 23, 2001)
Athletes who compete in the Special Olympics will have a chance to fly a plane, catch a fish, climb a mountain and pan for gold - without ever going outdoors.

Athletes will get health care, prevention

(Published: February 23, 2001)
Most athletes will sooner or later suffer a minor injury. If competitors at the Special Olympics pull a muscle or sprain a wrist, they'll be cared for at a special ''polyclinic.'' Before and after competing, they can take advantage of free health screenings through the ''Healthy Athletes'' program at Egan Center.

Special Olympics Town Schedule

(Published: February 23, 2001)
March 1

The facts behind the faces

(Published: February 23, 2001)
What is mental retardation?

Moved by the volunteer spirit
More than 7,000 have offered their assistance during the World Winter Games


(Published: February 23, 2001)
As the first Special Olympics athlete delegations arrive in Anchorage Wednesday, an army of volunteers is mobilizing to make the World Winter Games a success. ''Anchorage has been very, very supportive,'' said Kara Capaldo, director of support and volunteer services.

Heroes who give time
The Volunteers


(Published: February 23, 2001)
MEDICAL VOLUNTEER

Getting around during Games

(Published: February 23, 2001)
Getting thousands of athletes, families, friends and cheering sections out to six sporting venues is a challenge, but organizers of the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games have designed and identified two transit systems to do the job.

'The pinnacle of fun'
Executive director leads 75 employees at Ship Creek office


(Published: February 23, 2001)
You have to walk fast to keep up with Melissa Anderson - really fast.

Leaving their mark
Community will continue to benefit from Games long after the athletes have left Anchorage


(Published: February 23, 2001)
Hosting the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which open March 4, has meant about $4 million in long-term capital improvements to the community. The funds came from Special Olympics by way of the federal office of Housing and Urban Development.

On TV

(Published: February 23, 2001)
LIVE OPENING CEREMONY BROADCAST

Digging deep for funds
Ben Stevens helped raise $17 million to stage the Games


(Published: February 23, 2001)
It didn't take too many knocks on corporate doors before Ben Stevens learned to sense whether he would be leaving with a big pledge for the Special Olympics or returning home with nothing.

Donors to the Games

(Published: February 23, 2001)
Premier Club ($500,000-plus)

Government support
Public contributions to the Games


(Published: February 23, 2001)
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT*

Entertainment schedule
Borealis Theatre


(Published: February 23, 2001)
Thursday, March 1

Nations attending the World Winter Games

(Published: February 23, 2001)
COUNTRY, DELEGATES, SPONSORING SCHOOL (if any)

Team USA

(Published: February 23, 2001)
STATE, NUMBER OF ATHLETES

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