Gov. Bill Ritter proclaimed Friday (Feb. 12, 2009) as “Colorado Winter Olympians Day” to honor Colorado Olympians competing in the XXI Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. Opening ceremonies are Friday.

“I want to congratulate all of our Colorado Olympians in 2010,” Ritter said in a press release. “We wish you the best of luck as you go forward and compete in these Winter Games.”

Of the United States’ Olympic team, 21 athletes claim a Colorado hometown, Ritter said: Jeremy Abbott, Gretchen Bleiler, Rachael Flatt, Todd Lodwick, Michelle Roark, Sarah Schleper, Paul Stastny, Katie Uhlaender, Chris Klug, Lanny Barnes, Chris Drury, Taylor Fletcher, Simi Hamilton, Matt Ladley, Alice McKennis, Casey Puckett, Justin Reiter, Johnny Spillane, Ryan St. Onge, Jake Zamansky and Lindsey Vonn.

Photo by KEVIN KRECK, THE GAZETTE