Dec. 4 Team USA Update
Athletes begin training and socialize at dance

Today marked the first day for teams to head to their respective venues for training. Figure skating is one of three sports practicing offsite, and the athletes were excited to see that they were skating on an outdoor rink. Cross country was the first team to try on their uniforms to ensure they would have the correct sizes for the Games.

During lunchtime, sport managers led discussions on becoming a "family" with your team and respecting them as such. They reminded the athletes that we will be representing Team USA - the host team - at World Games, and it is important to make a good impression. They talked about athlete hygiene and keeping rooms neat.

Athlete Brydie Charles, center, and Management Team member Chris Hahn, right, at the Opening Ceremonies.

Athletes show off their moves at the dance.

Just before dinner, there was a short Opening Ceremonies, where Management Team member Chris Hahn welcomed the delegation, and snowshoer Brydie Charles led the athlete oath. The ceremony wrapped up with a fireworks show. Inside, during dinner, North American Police Ski Championships representatives were recognized for their Team USA sponsorship of $30,000.

The night wrapped up with a dance, where athletes mingled, boogied and got to know one another. Kurt Krumreich, speed skating coach, was serenaded by the entire delegation with a round of "Happy Birthday."

Be sure to check the Team USA photo gallery for photos from floor hockey, figure skating, Opening Ceremonies and the dance.

Fan-Tastic Team USA

Mother and Daughter Become Closer Through Unified Figure Skating
"You're one tough mother," Sonia Bellile says.

"Yep, and you're one tough daughter," Elke Nelson replies.

For this mother/daughter pair, participating in sports together is nothing new. For years, Elke coached Sonia, 42,  and other athletes in their hometown of Iowa City in swimming, gymnastics, and alpine skiing. However, the two will be competing together for the first time as Unified Partners in figure skating at the 2009 World Games.

-Read more about Sonia and Elke-

Sonia Bellile and her mother Elke Nelson are competing as Unified Partners for the first time.

Floor hockey athlete Joe Elliott has lost nearly 150 pounds.

And the Biggest Loser is  . . . Joe Elliott!
Joe Elliott of Arkansas lost himself over the past two years – well, actually, he lost nearly half himself. Joe dropped nearly 150 pounds after learning that he had Type 2 diabetes.

The 23-year-old floor hockey athlete didn’t want to be put on insulin so he made the decision to “get up off the couch and exercise.”

-Read more about Joe-