It doesn't take a genius to know that the Salt Lake Organizing Committee is facing a potential public relations disaster as it continues to avoid including Parowan in the Olympic torch relay route just prior to the Games starting in February 2002.
Despite extensive publicity regarding why Parowan should be included, there's been no recognition yet from SLOC for inclusion. Including Parowan would be a win-win for SLOC.
Yes, Alma Richards was the state's first Olympic gold medal winner (high jump, 1912). Yes, he came from Parowan, a small, rural area of the state and world, but he dreamed that he could be an Olympian. Yes, the community of Parowan and Utah are proud of him.
My grandfather (Bain Matheson) was one of his childhood friends, as was granddad's younger brother Scott Matheson Sr. (father to Gov. Scott Matheson and grandfather of Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah). It's coincidental that Bain, Scott and Alma are now buried within a few feet of each other in the beautiful Parowan Cemetery.
Former first lady Norma Matheson still makes sure Alma's grave is decorated each Memorial Day. What a tribute SLOC and its torch relay sponsors can make by stopping for a few minutes in Parowan and honoring an outstanding Olympian.
Parowan residents would undoubtedly turn out en masse to see the Olympic torch come to town.
What about it, SLOC?
Clint Warby
West Jordan