Pursuing the Olympic Winter Games

By BRIAN K. KROLICKI | March/April 2012

Dear Friends,

Every fourth winter, Nevadans and the rest of the world gather eagerly around their televisions to witness the storied tradition of the Olympic Winter Games. For 16 exhilarating days, the drama plays out through fierce competition and compelling stories about the fortitude and determination of the athletes. We cheer when athletes are triumphant, our hearts ache for their defeats, and we can’t help feeling overwhelming pride when our country’s national anthem is played at the medal ceremonies or we see our flag raised above the podium.

I enjoy the incredible opportunity to serve as chairman of the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition, a group comprised of leaders from Nevada and California passionately dedicated to bringing the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games held in North America to our region.

The RTWGC is currently engaged in the process to host the 2022 Olympic Winter Games—contingent upon the decision of the United States Olympic Committee to call for a bid. If we can secure the bid, Nevadans will be able to display our ability to host a world-class event, showcase our remarkable state, develop our infrastructure, and demonstrate to the world our ability to be a leader in renewable-energy resources.

Bringing the Games to Nevada will not only allow us to showcase the Reno-Lake Tahoe region, but it will also allow us to introduce our magnificent rural areas to guests as they travel around Nevada.

The world already knows that Nevada is a world-class tourist destination, and that our ski resorts are among the best in the world. We also have plenty of accommodations already in place for fans who would flock to the Games. There are more than 30,000 rooms in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Carson Valley, and the Lake Tahoe Basin. Las Vegas boasts more than 150,000 rooms, and Sacramento and eastern California offer more than 40,000.

Although we seem perfectly situated to win a bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, we will face strong national and global competition. I am proud to lead our state’s efforts, and I hope you will join me in supporting the mission to bring the splendor of the Olympic Winter Games to Nevada.

For more information, or to get involved, visit renotahoewintergames.org or call 775-622-3345.

Brian K. Krolicki
Lieutenant Governor
Chairman — Nevada Commission on Tourism
ltgov.nv.gov