Every four years, the Olympics focus on bringing back the “Gold,” honor, dignity or endorsements. On a rainy, but emotional July day, we focused on what the athletes take with them and not just on what they bring back. Bayou to Beijing: Send-off ’08 was a gift basket carefully wrapped by the people of Louisiana to send love, appreciation and support to all athletes competing in Beijing with ties to the Bayou State.
The July 31 reception honored the more than 20 athletes who are natives or who have lived or attended school in Louisiana.
The Old State Capitol of Louisiana was a fitting backdrop for the moment. Not just because it is rich in architecture and artwork, but because it is a part of Louisiana that has stood the test of time and was fought over and even burned down and rose from the ashes to represent an even stronger Louisiana.
Rising from the ashes of obstacles were Olympic heroes like St. Francisville native Miguel Pate who suffered through a near career-ending knee injury to qualify in the long jump and John Dane III who, at 58, is one of the oldest Olympians and uses his sailing popularity to raise awareness of melanoma.
Family members like Pamela Johnson proudly stood to represent athletes like her husband Brian who have already departed on their journey Beijing. Brian Johnson, a former Southern University stand-out is the top U.S. long jumper competing in Beijing. He and Hammond resident Erica Bartolina were subjects of a short video presentation shown during the reception.
Through familiar surroundings and the humble nature of the athletes, one could easily see that they were just like us – hard-working dreamers determined to do our state and nation proud.
The team behind Bayou to Beijing was as diverse as the athletes they honored. The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and family and sports medicine physicians Dr. Rani Whitfield and Dr. Kim Edward LeBlanc joined to salute the courage and commitment of our local and state Olympic representatives who are also role models in the state’s health and fitness mission of youth and adults.
“The Olympics are the pinnacle of an athlete's career,” said Dr. Whitfield. “Everyone who takes part in swimming, track and field, boxing or whatever, aims to go to the Olympic Games.”
“These young people and coaches are not only representing our state, but our country and I am proud to have been able to meet some of them – their friends, their families. These athletes are competing for the ultimate symbol of excellence in sports – the gold medal – and I am truly blessed to have been a part of this experience.”
The night was deliberate down to the cuisine. Executive Chief Edward Rhinehart, a culinary genius with specialties in raw vegan and health-conscious dining, presented “Tastes of the World Olympic Fair.” He took his guests on an epicurean tour of countries including Australia, Italy and Japan in an effort to capture the diverse favor of the Olympics. Even the hand-carved edible centerpieces were symbolic of the spirit and tone of the Olympiad.
Chef Rhinehart is a former instructor with the Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana and owner of Chef Ed’s in Destrehan.
In other coverage: The August 1 Advocate front page was graced by the beautiful and mega talented Lolo Jones, the favorite to take the gold in the 100 Meter Hurdles. The photo with Dr. Rani Whitfield was used the highlight an article on the cover the Sports Section about the Bayou to Beijing reception. See
State gives athletes Olympic send-off on 2theadvocate.com.
