Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Simpson announced today that the House and Senate have agreed to an additional $3 million for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho. The money for the Games is included in H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. 

“The Special Olympics World Winter Games are a tremendous honor and responsibility for Idaho, and this funding will help ensure their success,” Craig said.  “I am pleased to be involved with this event and hope all Idahoans will join in this opportunity to showcase our State to the world.”

“Idaho will hosting thousands of athletes and volunteers from around the world for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in a matter of months,” said Simpson. “The Host Committee has done a tremendous job in raising funds to prepare for this exciting event and this $3 million will help them make these Games an event of which Idaho can be proud.”

“Senator Craig and Congressman Simpson have been relentless in their support of the 2009 World Games taking place in Idaho.  Their hard work pursuing federal funding will help make these games a world-class event for the athletes, families, spectators and volunteers,” said Jim Schmit, Qwest Idaho President and Chairman of the Games Fundraising Committee.

According to the organizers of the Games, holding the event in Idaho will require at least $28 million in total contributions, with the federal government’s share representing just a portion of the total needs. The event will attract up to 3,000 athletes from over 100 nations to compete in seven Winter Olympic-type sporting events.  This will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the state of Idaho.

Craig and Simpson are members of the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations which crafted this spending package. Once the bill is approved by the House and Senate, it will be sent to President Bush for his consideration.