Keeping the Olympic spirit alive and ensuring the fire within continues to burn bright on the legacy of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau is participating in USA Luge’s “Adopt-An-Athlete” Program, supporting the efforts of Salt Lake native, Olympian and eight-year U.S. national team member, Preston Griffall.

The vast majority of Olympic-caliber athletes face many struggles during the year, not the least of which is proper funding in their quest to be one of the best in the world in their chosen discipline, particularly in non-mainstream sports such as luge. The “Adopt-An-Athlete” Program allows individuals, groups and corporations to assist world-class athletes pursue their aspirations and dreams, enabling elite level athletes to focus on their sport rather than fundraising efforts.

In “adopting” Griffall through its private sector funding, the Salt Lake CVB not only supports the 2002 Olympic legacy, but also one of its own. In return, Griffall, who competes in doubles luge with teammate Dan Joye, will make appearances on behalf of the CVB and meet its clients and members whenever his schedule allows. One such instance is during the SLCVB’s upcoming Buyer Education Trip, November 29 – December 2, 2006, which coincides with a World Cup luge event at the Utah Olympic Park. Griffall will meet with attending meeting planners and educate attendees to the sport of luge, discuss life on the world cup circuit, and talk about his goals and aspirations, one of which is to medal at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada.

For more information on Preston Griffall or USA Luge and its “Adopt-An-Athlete” Program, log on to www.usaluge.org.

The Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit corporation responsible for the promotion of Salt Lake as a convention and travel destination. Salt Lake is a unique fusion of metropolitan city and quaint mountain town; the towering Wasatch Mountains that embrace Salt Lake offer a dramatic backdrop to the vibrancy and activities of downtown. Having recently undergone a $58 million expansion, the Salt Palace Convention Center now boasts 679,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space, ideal for groups of all sizes and needs. For more information on all that Salt Lake has to offer, visit www.VisitSaltLake.com.