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Logan to adopt Kenyan ski team as its own From
the Kenyan Cross Country Ski Team During Wednesday afternoon's Torch Ceremony in Logan, the first Kenyan Cross Country Ski Team to enter the Olympics will appear at USU's Spectrum to become honorary citizens of the city. Mayor Doug Thompson announced Monday that the city will make an official proclamation to adopt the team as its own. Olympic team members will be present for the 5:30 p.m. ceremony and for an autograph and photo session, along with souvenir pins and hats. "Nobody ever expects to hear of a Kenyan participating in a Winter Olympics," team chairman and manager Pat Beldotti said. "I like to take the underdog position. I like to do the impossible." Alan Peterson, Kenya Ski Team director of public relations, adds, "Although we are all proud of our American teams, I think that the citizens of Cache Valley will have a sense of pride for 'their' new team. Will they be Olympic medal winners? That we don't know; but one thing we do know is that the eyes of the community will now be on our adopted team this month." The idea for the Kenyan Ski Team was born from corporate minds at Nike. Their idea is loosely rooted in the story behind the 1988 Jamaican Bobsled Team. Nike initially sponsored the team as marathon runners but decided to mix this athletic advantage with cross country skiing. What started out as a publicity stunt snowballed and has been making headway ever since. Beldotti, owner of Beldotti Construction in New York, first went to Kenya as a soldier during the Korean War and has been involved with the people ever since. He has devoted much of his time and finances for these athletes. For more information on the team or to find out how to become a sponsor, visit the Kenya Ski Team website at www.kenyatrain.com.
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