Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Chamber: Special Olympics could bring millions

Hotel rooms, event planners, coaches and staff all contribute

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

     The economic impact of some 1,000 athletes, coaches, event officials, family members and fans from around the world coming to the Wood River Valley in February for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games has been estimated at between $6 million and $8 million.

     The games will be based in Boise from Feb. 7-13, 2009. Select events will take place in the Sun Valley area.

     The Games Organizing Committee has contracted for an estimated 350 to 425 hotel rooms throughout the WoodRiverValley for the athletes, coaches, officials and event support staff. The committee expects to spend $4 million to $5 million on expenses related to hosting the Sun Valley-area portion of the games.

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     The Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau has helped coordinate various aspects of the events in the area, including lodging for the 122 participants in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will come through the valley on Feb. 3, marketing, promotional and media outreach efforts, and plans for a Special Olympics Festival benefit concert.