Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Ketchum man to run Special Olympics

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

Chip Fisher is the new chairman and CEO of the 2009 Special Olympics. Photo by Willy Cook

Sun Valley residents Jim and Pirie Grossman had a vision. Long involved in the Idaho Special Olympics, they believed the 2009 World Winter Games could be held in Boise. Sarajevo had originally been awarded the games but suddenly dropped out. That meant a new city would have to prepare a winning bid, and manage to pull off the event in half the time usually allotted.

The Grossmans spearhead a fundraising drive and managed the successful bid for the games in 2006.

But after more than a year of working on the management of the games from Boise and Ketchum, the Grossmans, who have two young children, decided to make a change.

"In any organization there comes a time when you need to pass it on to someone to operate it," said Ketchum resident Chip Fisher, who is now the chairman and CEO of the 2009 World Winter Games.

Fisher was already a board member when the Grossmans suggested he take over.

Though President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that had earmarked $8 million for the 2009 World Winter Games, eventually $7.5 million in federal funds was set aside to help fund the games.

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The event will likely be the largest multi-day winter sports competition ever in the state, with thousands of volunteers, guests and media personnel expected.

"It was a pawn in a bigger political game, not about the Special Olympics," Fisher said. "Nothing has changed as per the number of athletes competing."

Gary Dyer, retired executive vice president and chief operating officer of Blue Cross of Idaho, acted as chief executive officer on an interim basis and remains on the board of directors.