Reunion of Pettit Center’s Olympians

MILWAUKEE--- October 21, 2009 --- The Pettit National Ice Center, a U.S. Olympic Training Site, will host a first-ever Olympic Speed Skaters' Dinner on October 23, 2009.

The dinner, which will be held at, and sponsored in part by, the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, will feature more than thirty speed skating Olympians representing teams from 1952 to 2006 for a night of reminiscing and inspiration. Popular sports personality Tim VanVooren will be the master of ceremonies.  

"A reunion, to this extent, has never occurred, so we all are very excited for a fantastic evening," said 5-time Gold medalist Bonnie Blair-Cruikshank. "We'll be welcoming back many athletes to a city and a facility (the Pettit Center) that still hold a special place in all of our hearts."

Athletes who have accepted invitations include medalists Blair-Cruikshank, Dan Jansen, Dr. Eric Heiden, Beth Heiden, Casey FitzRandolph, Derek Parra, Sheila Young Ochowicz, Kip Carpenter, Dr. Darcie Dohnal Sharapova, and Leah Poulos-Mueller, plus twenty more.

"What a unique opportunity to spend an evening with amazing and admired athletes who have inspiring stories for us to enjoy, while supporting the Pettit Center.  This is a great kick-off to our anticipation of the Winter Games in February," said Pettit Center Executive Director, Randy Dean.  

West Allis native, 1980 Olympian, and Executive Vice President of the Atlanta Braves, Mike Plant will be recognized for being selected the Chef De Mission of the U.S. team for the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.  The Chef De Mission is the senior representative of the U.S. delegation to the Games.  This is the first time a Winter Olympian has served in this leadership role. 

Each table of ten will include one or more Olympians.  Dinner begins at 7:30pm, preceded by a reception starting at 6pm.  Media is welcome to attend the dinner between 5:30pm-6:30pm

Net proceeds are directed to the Pettit National Ice Center, Inc., a 501c-3 non-profit corporation, to help underwrite selected capital improvement projects.

For any questions or comments, please contact Rob Multerer at the Pettit Center by phone 414.266.0100, ext. 132 or by email rmulterer@thepettit.com. 

The Pettit National Ice Center - "Gold-Medal Excellence, Community Well-Being."