At this week’s meeting, Naj Wikoff gave us the history behind the installation of several pieces of artwork in place around Lake Placid in conjunction with the 1980 Winter Olympics. Did you know Olympic rules establish that a program of the Arts is to be held concurrently and in the same vicinity as the games themselves. Through the persistent efforts of Placidians like Shirley Seney, Bob Peacock and Jack Barry, a well-received program was created in keeping with International Olympic Committee Rule 35. It wasn’t an easy task as this article from the NY Times Archive will attest. Many of the initiatives put in place are still in use today. The arts program was delivered on time and on budget. Did you also know that the use of a three-tiered podium for the top three finishers in a winter Olympic sport originated at the 1980 Winter Olympics? https://nyti.ms/47DqIoU
