The Washington State House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution Thursday signaling their support for Vancouver’s bid for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Once the Senate approves the resolution it will be sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United States Olympic Committee, and the Premier of British Columbia.
State Rep. Jeff Morris said, “it’s about tourism dollars, business opportunities and free advertising”.
Morris said, “Idaho cashed in on the Salt Lake Games. Many people spent the night in Boise and then commuted to Salt Lake. Athletes trained there. People rented facilities. It was a bonanza”.
Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to use Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to get to the Olympics. During Vancouver’s Expo ’86 surveys showed that a majority of visitors from outside the area also wanted to visit Seattle.
Morris is hoping that the close relationship and strong bonds between Washington State and British Columbia will translate into more exposure for the Evergreen State.
He added, “it gives us a chance to highlight our state to the world”.
John Cooper, President of the Bellingham/Whatcom Country Convention & Visitors Bureau agreed, adding “it’s the best opportunity we’ve had in the last ten years”.
