LAKE PLACID, ADIRONDACKS USA - As host of the III and the XIII Olympic Winter Games, Lake Placid is among a handful (only 18) of other communities in the entire world to have experienced the challenges and the rewards that go along with that distinction.
 
Lake Placid has a prominent position in the world sports community, and there are a number of local individuals who traveled to the Games in Vancouver - from the athletes who train, compete and live here, of course, to those who provide media information for various disciplines, and an official delegation that includes the Mayor of Lake Placid.

Lake Placid Mayor Craig Randall, Ted Blazer, CEO, Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and James McKenna, president of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, have been in Vancouver and Whistler for more than a week of jam-packed days of official events.  Two of the events topped their list in importance: signing declarations forever making both Vancouver and Whistler "Olympic Sister Cities" via Protocols of Friendship with Lake Placid.

"We are deeply honored to take part in these distinguished proceedings on behalf of our region," said Mayor Randall, who signed the official declarations with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson on February 17 and Ken Melamed, Mayor of Whistler on February 19.

The Protocol of Friendship promotes the Olympic movement, and better understanding and friendship to build a peaceful world and create international goodwill. 
 
James McKenna has seen the benefits of these declarations. "These protocols of friendship represent the establishment of long-term relationships with these cities, and symbolize our shared goals to co-promote the Olympic ideals and tourism," he said. 

"The Olympic Winter Games continue to provide us with the opportunity to further strengthen Lake Placid's presence in the international sports marketplace," said Blazer. "The circuit that now includes Park City, Calgary, Vancouver, Whistler and Lake Placid allows us to work together to promote and solicit world cup sporting events at North American venues." 

Previous Protocols of Friendship were signed between the Mayor of Lake Placid and the Mayors of Calgary, Albertville, Lillehammer, Salt Lake City, and Torino. 

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