The thousands of Utahns gathered to hear about volunteering for the Olympics got to experience what it's going to be like in 2002.
At least the fun part.For about an hour Thursday, they were entertained by a former Miss America, an Emmy Award-winning composer, Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists, political and Salt Lake Organizing Committee leaders, and Steve Young.
Even Jay Leno made an appearance, via videotape. "The Tonight Show" host wore a special "Team 2002" jersey and described volunteers as the backbone -- "right above you-know-what" -- of the Olympics.
Young, who was named volunteer chairman, showed them how easy it'll be to sign up as a volunteer at a special Web site, www.saltlake2002.com, beginning Friday. Volunteers can also call 1-801-212-3000 to have an application mailed.
He joked about needing 30,000 friends, including "doctors, dentists and concussion experts," a reference to the injuries he's suffered as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
After the hourlong program, Young was more serious but no less enthusiastic about volunteering. "The world is coming. Why don't we show off what the heck we're all about," he told reporters.
Asked what Utahns should be showing off, Young ticked off a list of attractions, ranging from the state's geographic diversity to "clearly the cultural experience from the old days of Brigham Young."
Young, a descendent of the Mormon leader who brought followers to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, said Utahns have "got to be who we are" during the Olympics.
The audience clapped for former Miss America Sharlene Hawkes and composer Sam Cardon, cheered skiers Picabo Street and Chris Waddell, and laughed along with Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson and Gov. Mike Leavitt.
They, along with SLOC President Mitt Romney and other organizing committee officials, ended the program by tossing glittering fake snow at each other and the front rows of the audience.
Some sitting in Abravanel Hall didn't really need much convincing.
Karen Burke of Sandy, who volunteered during last year's national figure skating championships, was ready to sign up for the Games.
"I'm enthusiastic about it," Burke said, pointing out that she'd worn a fleece vest issued to her during her volunteer stint at the skating competition.
What does she want to do come 2002?
"It doesn't matter," Burke said. "I just hope I have enough vacation" time available. Her friend, Linda Metke, was also anxious to join Team 2002.
"I just think it'll be fun to be part of it. I know it has some downsides, but it sounds like a party. A working party," Metke said. It'll be her first time as an Olympic volunteer.
Besides the fun showcased Thursday, there's plenty of work involved. SLOC expects volunteers to be available to work all 17 days of the Games, for eight to 10 hours a day.
Jobs include translating for foreign visitors, collecting urine samples from athletes for drug testing, helping ticket holders find their seats and monitoring security checkpoints.
Anyone who'll have an address in the area at Games time, Feb. 8-24, 2002, can sign up. Training will begin in February 2001, and jobs will be assigned that fall.
Volunteers are also being sought by SLOC for the Paralympics, the international competition for disabled athletes that follows the Games, March 7-16, 2002.