March 09, 2004

By: Zi Perry
Website: http://www.1st-in-flags.com

Eight U.S. winter sports athletes selected as World Trade Center flagbearers

The honored Olympians are Kristina Sabasteanski , biathlon, a 1998 Olympian who currently serves in the U.S. military; firefighter and skeleton athlete Lea Ann Parsley; Stacy Liapis, curling, whose boyfriend is a firefighter; three-time Olympian Todd Eldredge, figure skating; Angela Ruggiero, a 1998 Olympic ice hockey gold medalist and close friend of U.S. Women's Ice Hockey National Team member Kathleen Kauth, whose father was killed in the WTC attacks; three-time Olympian Mark Grimmette, luge; snowboarder Chris Klug, returning for his second Olympic Games following an organ transplant; and speedskater Derek Parra, who previously competed in roller sports and won a gold medal at the 1995 Pan American Games after being hit by a car at the start of the event.

The tattered American flag which will be carried into Rice-Eccles Stadium on Friday evening during the Opening Ceremonies of the 20002 Olympic Winter Games was found by rescue workers at the World Trade Center three days after the attacks on the twin structures. Since being returned to the Port Authority Police Department, it has waved over centerfield at the 2001 World Series and been honored during the 2002 Super Bowl.

On Wednesday night it arrived in Salt Lake City accompanied by two of the three Port Authority policemen who will participate in the Olympic Games honor guard: Sgt. Antonio (Tony) Scannella, a 15-year veteran of the force who was born in the Bronx and now resides in New Jersey with his wife and two children; and Officer Fran Accardi, also a 15-year veteran, New Jersey resident and father of three, who responded to the call on Sep. 11. Joining his fellow Port Authority honor guard members on Thursday as guests of the United States Olympic Committee will be 17-year veteran Officer Curt Kellinger, who was on the 21st floor of Building #1 when Building #2 collapsed. Kellinger resides in New Jersey will his wife and two children.

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About The Author:

Zi Perry is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-flags.com.  The flags of the world are symbols of recognition full of beauty and color for each country.