Around The Rim: Sports Summit Program Announced

The full program for the June 7-12 Pacific Rim Sports Summit “offers up a mix of sport not often seen,” according to Ron Judd of the SEATTLE TIMES. The Summit will feature 900 athletes from the U.S., China, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and Russia competing in nine sports at venues in and around Seattle. Competitions include archery, basketball, track cycling, diving, gymnastics, softball, synchronized swimming, track & field and indoor volleyball. USOC CEO Jim Scherr: “It’s an opportunity for us to allow the Olympic movement to be exposed to a wider audience between the Olympic Games.” Judd reports the nearly 450,000 tickets available will cost $12-95, the latter “for a choice seat at the opening ceremony.” Seattle Organizing Committee CEO Bob Walsh said that the budget for the event “is around $10[M], and most of the financing has been secured.” Judd notes because the Summit is “an international event, organizers expect federal help with security. Details of a planned television package with NBC have not been announced” (SEATTLE TIMES, 1/27).

CHANGE OF VENUE: In Seattle, Angelo Bruscas reports the June 7 Opening Ceremony will be held at Safeco Field because Husky Stadium was already booked for Univ. of Washington graduation ceremonies (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 1/27).