Light the Fire Within
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The Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron: A Lasting Gift

Light the Fire Within, also, The Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron: A Lasting Gift. . , Light the Fire Within "...In 2002, To the City of Salt Lake City." , Juan Antonia Samaranch International Olympic Committee President 1980-2000 , Utah's journey to an Olympic and Paralympic Games culminated on June 16, 1995 with Salt Lake City's selection as the 2002 host. This place of resplendent red rock formations and towering alpine peaks would welcome the world to its slopes and ice under the motto "Light the Fire Within." From February 8 to 24, Salt Lake 2002 featured Olympic competition between athletes from 77 countries, with Paralympic competition following from March 7 to 16 between athletes from 36 countries. These athletes collectively embodied the spirit of striving harder, reaching higher and accomplishing more., Captions , Salt Lake City mayor Deedee Corradini celebrates with Utah Governor Michael O. Leavitt in Budapest after winning the bid for the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Celebrations erupt in Washington Square on June 16, 1995 as Salt Lake City is awarded the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games., The Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron: A Lasting Gift , Generously funded by the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation , The Cauldron is one of the most iconic symbols of the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. From the moment its flame was lit at the Games' Opening Ceremony here at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the Cauldron stood as a beacon to athletes and spectators alike. Its design, uniquely combining fire and ice, endures as a symbol of the Salt Lake 2002 motto: "Light the Fire Within.", "Even when the Flam is Extinguished, This cauldron will stand firmly in place as a lasting reminder that the legacy of the 2002 Games will continue to enrich the lives of all Utahns throughout the future." -Spencer F. Eccles-, Cauldron Dedication, January 2002, Utah civic leaders and philanthropists George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles -devoted sports enthusiasts- inspired their Foundation's leadership in the effort to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. But it was their nephew, Spencer F Eccles a ski racer from youth, an All-American University of Utah ski team member, and an active community leader in business, education, philanthropy, and winter sports-whose passionate commitment to hosting the Olympic Games in his home state was key to what is often described as "the most successful Winter Games in history!" , Spence Eccles was one of Utah's most prominent bankers for more than 50 years, including two decades at the helm of First Security Corporation and later at Wells Fargo's Intermountain Region. As one of the state's most influential leaders, he has devoted himself to the growth of athletics and sports in Utah-especially for our youth. , As Chairman and CEO of the George S. and Delores Doré Eccles Foundation, Spence was instrumental in awarding major leadership funding of more than $20 million to the Games, contributing significantly to its success. This included support not only for the Cauldron, but also the expansion of Rice-Eccles Stadium for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the George S. Eccles 2002 Legacy Bridge, the Olympic Village at historic Fort Douglas, and the ceremonies themselves. The Foundation's generous support expanded opportunities for all Utahns, including hundreds of disadvantaged youth, to enjoy and experience the wonder of the Games. , Spence was a founding member of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee that secured and hosted the Games, and was named Mayor of the 2002 Olympic Village. In recognition of his lifelong devotion to the Olympic ideal, the International Olympic Committee awarded him the "first medal” of the 2002 Games: the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin Medal, named for the founder of the modern Olympic Games. Awarded only 17 times, it represents a singular honor for those who exemplify the true spirit of the Olympic Games. , The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation is led today by its Board of Directors: Spencer F. Eccles, Lisa Eccles, and Robert M. Graham. The University of Utah and the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation pay tribute to these individuals for their generosity, foresight, and pivotal role that ensured the success of the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and their legacy that continues to inspire the people of Utah. , Caption , George S. Eccles (1900-1982) and Dolores Doré Eccles (1902-1994) Spencer F. "Spence Eccles