The Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics will take place from February 8th to February 24th 2002. The Paralympics will take place in Salt Lake City from March 7th to March 16th 2002.

The International Olympic Committee awarded the 2002 Olympics to Salt Lake City on June 16th 1995 at Budapest, Hungary. With 15 sports being competed the 2002 Olympics will have more events than any previous winter games. Of special interest, an event from the annals of Winter Olympic History - the Skeleton will be reintroduced after several generations' absence. For the first time Women's Bobsleigh will be a medal event. The Salt Lake City Olympic Committee is planning for the participation of approximately 2,345 athletes and 1,800 officials from 80 countries - plus the opening and closing ceremonies. A world television audience of over two billion people is anticipated. Of particular impact will be the contribution of over 26,000 volunteers involved in pre-game organization and the games themselves.

It would be hard to find a place more suited to hosting the Winter Olympics than Salt Lake City. The city's stunning setting - surrounded by the Rocky Mountain peaks of the Wasatch Front, that seem close enough to touch - would be reason enough to hold the Olympics here. But there is much more to Salt Lake than magnificent scenery. Obviously the proximity of mountains with outstanding conditions makes it perfect for a variety of winter sports activities, but the city's location - often referred to as the 'Crossroads of the West' - and infrastructure, is perfect for hosting an international event.