Small Town News

Speed skater partners with Washington State Potato Commission

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The Washington Potato Commission has established a partnership with world champion short-track speed skater and Seattle native Apolo Anton Ohno.

Ohno will work with the Commission in its continued efforts to educate the public and youth in particular on the importance of Washington potatoes. As part of the partnership, Ohno will assist in communicating the nutritional value of potatoes and will take part in an outreach campaign that will involve sharing his favorite Washington potato recipes, as well as partaking in yet-to-be-determined events.

People know Ohno as a world-class and champion short track speed skater and dancer. They may also recognize his signature look complete with soul patch and bandana.

However, what people may not know is that this world champion and 11-time U.S. national champion athlete loves potatoes and eats them regularly as part of his daily training regime - including starting his day with a potato breakfast dish.

"We're excited about the opportunity to work with one of the greatest athletes in sport," Chris Voigt, executive director of the Commission, said. "Given Apolo's natural affinity for Washington potatoes and his love for eating and cooking healthy foods, we're thrilled to have him as ambassador for our champion potatoes and healthy messages."

Ohno, a five-time Olympic medalist, is currently tied with long track speed skater Eric Heiden for the most Olympic medals by a U.S. male Winter Olympian. He is two medals away from surpassing the legendary Bonnie Blair, the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history to date.

"The Commissioners discussed it thoroughly," Commissioner Angela Pixton, chair of the Public and Industry Education Committee, said. "We were impressed with Apolo and his fit with our programs -- especially the kids' programs."

Pixton said Apolo shares in the vision and values of the Washington Potato Commission

"His passion and interest in encouraging kids to lead healthy lifestyles with proper nutrition and exercise is what makes him a terrific ambassador for the Commission," she said.

The Commission has hit the ground running in working with Apolo. Last month, Ohno took part in a special photo shoot in Seattle before his competition calendar kicked off earlier this month.

The photo shoot involved Ohno, Seattle Chef Franz Junga, of II Forniao Restaurant, Commissioner Pixton and 10 elementary school students. The Commission captured still shots and video for use in its publications, posters, feature articles and on its Web sites.

"We worked everyone hard, but we knew we couldn't afford to wait until October to get started," Karen Bonaudi, Commission assistant executive director, who manages public affairs, said. "It was a blast and everyone had a good time."

Ohno even uploaded one of the photos from the studio to his personal Facebook page during the shoot.

Expect to see a lot more of world class short track speed skater Ohno and Washington spuds over the next several months.



Copyright 2009 The Othello Outlook, Othello, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 The Othello Outlook Othello, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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