On the outside - Friday February 24, 2006

Friday February 24, 2006 Torino, ITA- The photo is of the Stazione Porta Nuova (train station) in downtown Torino.

It has been a busy couple of days, but I had the opportunity to go to the USA- Russia Hockey game and to the women's 1500 Speedskating this week.

Yesterday we met with members of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) for possible future exchanges between our countries. As I was leaving the meeting I met Mike Eruzione (1980 Olympic Hockey Team). Mike Eruzione was the captain that led the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team to its Gold Medal victory in Lake Placid, NY.

Tonight the White House delegation arrives into Torino. Leading the presidential delegation is Mayos Rudy Giuliani (and wife), former Mayor of New York City. Other members of the Delegation include Ronald P. Spogli, U.S. Ambassador to Italy, Race car driver Mario Andretti, Dr. Kenneth Ciongoli, chairman of the National Italian American Foundation and Lawrence Auriana, Chairman of Mediware Information Systems, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, President of The Boys’ Towns of Italy. A full day of activities is scheduled for the Delegation, ending with the closing ceremonies.

This weekend, two time Olympian Logan Tom (Volleyball) will visit Torino. Logan plays professional volleyball in Switzerland and will visit the USA House as part of her visit to Torino.
It has been a good month in Italy, as of this writing our team has won 22 medals and want to commend our athletes and staff for a job well done...

Ciao!