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SALT LAKE CITY -- James, a 6 year old navigating his way around Provo's Peaks Ice Arena, hopes to be a hockey player in the Olympics one day.
Inspired by the banners hanging along the walls of the Olympic venue, he and other young skaters continue to benefit by the relics of the Salt Lake Olympics.
Friday, Provo residents commemorated their city's role in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The Peaks Ice Arena hosted women's hockey in 2002, but there is still a real feeling of the Winter Games in the building -- a lasting legacy to what was going on here, just 10 years ago. It started with the arrival of the Olympic Flame.
Peaks Ice Arena 100 N. Seven Peaks Blvd.Public skating Feb. 10, 7-9:30 p.m.Special presentation and lighting of the torch 8 p.m. Patrons who wear Olympic-themed clothing or memorabilia will get half off the cost of admission and skate rental for the night.
When the Olympic torch arrived in Provo, there was no question who would light the cauldron for the community celebration-- legendary BYU football coach, LaVell Edwards.
"Thanks for being here," Edwards said. "This is the greatest moment I've had in a long time, thank you very much."
That community spirit focused on Provo's Peaks Ice Arena in 2002, where Olympic hockey players took to the ice.
"Having an Olympic venue in your community was not only exciting in 2002, but now you can see the skaters and people participating here and be able to realize what benefits these facilities have, long after the Olympics are over," said Scott Henderson, director of Provo City Recreation.
Some may say that a particular event after the flame took light in Provo was when the world saw what the games were all about. After a volunteer at the ice arena noticed the team didn't have matching outfits and little money, people in Provo adopted the women's hockey team from Kazakhstan.
"They had coats, but they were just in their regular sweats, just mismatched, whatever you know," said Olympic volunteer Shannon Arnoldsen. "That just didn't seem right that someone who had struggled enough to make it here to the Olympics couldn't take home a worthwhile souvenir."
Word spread quickly and people helped contribute to a souvenir fund for the team.
Provo tries to keep inspiring memories like these of the Olympics on the community's mind.
"We really do try to celebrate our Olympic heritage, and you can tell when you come in here that this is someplace special," Henderson said.
Friday's celebration is from 7 until 9:30 p.m. A short program will include the lighting of an Olympic torch at 8 p.m. Skating admission at the arena will be half off for those wearing Olympic-related garb.
