M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

"The Greatest Snow on Earth": The Winter Olympics in Downtown Salt Lake City
by Dallas Petersen

Street Scenes
Whether you're on foot or light rail, there are signs of the Olympics surround you in downtown Salt Lake City.

Sports banners and red flags line South Temple Street leading to the main Olympic square, location of the Medals Plaza and other venue.

One of almost 8,000 street and venue banners throughout the city.

The extensive light rail system "Trax" has cars adorned with Olympic banners and signs.

Shoppers in downtown malls will find signs everywhere of the Olympics.

The ZCMI building, famous for its Christmas season decorations, now sports a fun Olympic look.

A sign posted on Main Street displays the progress of the Olympic Torch as it winds it way to Utah.

As the commencement of the Olympic games approaches, an increasingly common scene is groups of people wearing the same ski coats, presumably on the same Olympic squad.

"The theme of the Olympic Winter Games is composed of three elements: Contrast, Culture and Courage. Contrast is symbolic of Utah's landscape from the arid desert to the snowcapped mountains. Culture represents the blend of cultures that make up the region's unique American heritage. Courage is the spirit of the athletes and the true essence of the Games. The Paralympic motto also has three themes: Mind, Body and Spirit." (www.saltlake2002.com)

Continue reading this article...Page 7: Friends to All Nations

(All photographs Copyright 2002 Dallas Petersen)

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