Story by Randy H. Milgrom
Audio by Bob Merion
Photography by Bob Garypie, Bob
Merion and Peter Ottlakan
Our Swiss hosts bid adieu to
the athletes – and their families and friends – in grand style
this evening, as the 4th Winter World Games in Nendaz, Switzerland
came to a smashing conclusion.
In a grand fete that began with drinks and delicious appetizers
in the bar above the Tracouet restaurant on the mountaintop,
followed with a sumptuous four-course feast, and ended with
fire juggling and a huge fireworks display, the athletes celebrated
late into the night on a night worth celebrating.
Although medals were awarded, appreciation was given, and
praise and encouragement were bestowed, this evening was reserved
first and foremost for fun. Everyone in the crowded room could
be seen smiling and laughing and singing and hugging. They
were all happy, tired, and proud, and many could be heard
discussing their desires and intentions concerning the next
World Transplant Games – in Kobe, Japan, this September.
The affable technical director of the Nendaz Games, Beat
Gottschalck, summed up quite precisely the mood of the crowd
in the simple conclusion to his characteristically short but
heartfelt speech “Bye bye. Have fun. See you again!”
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