2/3/2009
ITD Clears the Way for Special Olympic Athletes and Guests
BOISE -- As the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games gets under way this week, the Idaho Transportation Department launches a nearly statewide effort to ensure the safety of athletes and visitors traversing the state.
The task involves moving more than 150 buses with nearly 3,000 athletes to and from eight venue destinations extending from the Idaho border near Snowville, Utah, to Sun Valley, Twin Falls, Boise, Nampa and McCall. The total distance is approximately 700 miles.
Some of the athletes are arriving by plane in Salt Lake City. They will be accompanied to the Idaho border by Utah State Police. They will then be met at the Idaho border by ITD personnel and Idaho State Police for safe travel through the southern and central parts of the state.
"If necessary, snowplows and maintenance equipment will accompany the buses to make sure the roads are clear of all obstructions," said ITD Assistant District 3 Engineer Dave Kuisti. "We've also supported the Special Olympics World Winter Games by creating venue signs for the Games, coordinating routes and making sure there are as few as possible travel delays that could adversely affect the events."
ITD has partnered with other Idaho agencies to make sure the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games are a success. ITD has worked closely with Idaho State Police, State Communications, Ada County Highway District, Connecting Idaho Partners, Idaho Power, Special Olympics Idaho and the National Weather Service for more than a year. The group has met regularly since early last summer to coordinate efforts.
For more information regarding transportation of athletes during the 2009 Special Olympics World Games, please contact: Justine Sgalio, Manager of Media Relations and Communications, 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games at 208-377-7161.