August 2008
ORC GRAND OPENING GALA
The Olympians Reunion Center celebrated its grand opening Thursday night at Prince Jun Palace in Beijing's Central Business District.
The outdoor party on a humid evening was a gala to see and be seen. Among those 600+ mingling included some of the legends in Olympic history including Dick Fosbury, Willie Banks, Bob Beamon, as well as International Olympic Committee members rower, Anita DeFrantz, multi- gold medal Skier Pernilla Wiberg , Namibia's only Olympic medalist, sprinter Frankie Fredericks and five-time bobsled Olympian Prince Albert of Monaco, and Olympic commentators high jump great Dwight Stones, and former long jumper Carol Lewis.
Olympic Legend Bob Beamon Tracy Mattes, Rob Stull, Sandra Farmer Patrick
Ceo Wimmer and Ben Sturner HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco
600 Guests enjoyed the entertainment Robin Fosbury & Willie Banks The ORC
Tracy, who was part of the ORC Team in Beijing says "I've worked with every Olympian Reunion Center, both Summer and Winter Games, since Sydney 2000, and I have to say this was, by far, the most beautiful place we've ever had. Day or Night, the Prince Jun Palace, (which originally was a gift from the Emperor of China to his grandson), was breathtaking. The photos don't even do it justice, but give you an idea of how stunning a place we had in Beijing."
ORC by Night
ORC by Day
Open only to past Olympians and their families, and run by a team of Olympians, the Reunion Center is a way of thanking these legends of sport for their undaunted spirit, their devotion to teamwork and the Olympic ideals. The Olympians Reunion Center provides Olympians with an on-site meeting place at the Olympic Games, including live TV feeds of events, Internet access, refreshments, and assistance with special reunion functions.
The Bird's Nest Bar
The Bird's Nest Bar Tracy & Rob Stull announce
the Bird's Nest Bar is officially openOne of the hottest spots of the Beijing ORC was the "Bird's Nest Bar." The concept of the Bar came from ORC director Rob Stull, who thought it would be fun to take the theme of Beijing's main Olympian Stadium and create an open bar for the former Olympians and their guest. With the help of the entire ORC team, the Bird's Nest Bar turned into a reality and became the most "happening place" at the ORC.
Tracy and former Olympic Rower Lorena Coregina were the designated bartenders, which made for some great laughs and some great stories. Tracy and Robin Fosbury actually created a special drink named after the Prince Jun Palace. The concoction, called "Jun's Juice" became the most popular drink of the bar; however, when asked what was actually in this drink, Tracy & Robin replied with big smiles, "it's a little different every time." Yes people will remember the Bird's Nest Bar and its Olympic Bartenders.
Tracy gets ready to play Olympic host Lorena is ready for the night
Robin & Dick Fosbury enjoyed hosting Olympians at the ORC
Tracy at the Bird's Nest Bar with Olympic Legends Willie Banks and Harrison Dilliard
Kathy Oerter, Tracy and Robin Fosbury Olympic Silver Medalist Sandra Farmer Patrick
blows out her birthday candles at the Olympics
An Olympic Birthday Celebration!OLYMPIC WALK OF FAME
The walkways throughout the ORC were paved with memorabilia from Olympic Greats of the past displayed in glass cases as seen below. The cases showcased Olympic medals, uniforms, shoes and other precious mementos. Also along the Walk of Fame hung beautiful artwork from former Olympians, courtesy of Art of the Olympians.
Olympic Legend Edwin Moses and Kathy Oerter admire the Art of the Olympians at the ORC
