Utah Governor Mike Leavitt has invited former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to participate in an invitation-only reception for a number of world leaders this weekend in Salt Lake City for the Olympic wrap-up.
Leavitt’s spokeswoman Natalie Gochnour said, “it seemed like a perfect fit to have him, especially under his banner as the world’s mayor. He symbolizes so much of what these Games are about”.
Vice President Dick Cheney was also invited, but cannot attend. Reception invitees include German President Johannes Rau and leaders of the national Olympic committees taking part in the Games.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was in Utah Tuesday touring the Athletes Village. He said, “this is so exciting, I’ve never made it to an Olympics before. I’m absolutely thrilled to be here”.
Rumsfeld added, “there’s just no question, these folks have done a world-class job”.
While inside the Village’s secure residential zone Rumsfeld dined with members of the U.S. bobsled team and spoke with Canadian pairs figure skating champions Jamie Sale and David Pelletier.
