Salt Lake City, the capitol of Utah, USA, will host the XIX Winter Olympic Games. Salt Lake City was founded 155 years ago by a group of 147 Mormons lead by Brigham Young and since then it has been the most significant Mormon religious centre. Following Lake Placid (1932 and 1980) and Squaw Valley (1960), it is the third town in USA, that was honoured to host the Olympic Games. Despite the contradictory moments in the process of selection and the tragical events of September 11, 2001, the organizers are ready to profit from the years of preparations. The unprecedented acts of terror did not undermine the great democracy as hoped by the fatal originators. "The Olympic Games are the most proper answer to the wave of violence and terror and cannot become their victim," said Jacques Rogge, the newly elected President of the International Olympic Committee. And so the sportsmen will meet under five interlocking circles ready to fight for 78 series of medals. The Slovak Olympic team will take part in Winter Olympic Games for the third time. Shall we wait and see the first medal?

Peter Osuský
Slovak Olympic Committee