Governor Mike Leavitt today announced Andrei Kirilenko as Utah’s honorary ambassador for the Moscow-Utah Youth Games.  As Utah’s official envoy, Kirilenko will welcome Team Utah to Moscow and participate in the Games’ Opening Ceremony, July 19.

“As ambassador to the Games, I am looking forward to some exciting sports competition during the Games, and wish victory to all of the participants. Go for it…compete and enjoy the atmosphere of sports and friendship,” said Kirilenko.

The Utah Jazz swing-man will also join Governor Leavitt and Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov in humanitarian efforts which are part of the Games.In one such effort, Kirilenko will present Mayor Luzhkov with 50 Utah Jazz basketballs for Moscow’s youth basketball program.

We’re pleased to have Russia’s premier basketball player as Team Utah’s ambassador for the Youth Games,” said Governor Leavitt. “Andrei’s popularity in Utah and Russian make him well-suited to introduce our young athletes to his native country.”

Team Utah, comprised of approximately 500 athletes and coaches, will be accompanied by a Utah delegation that includes Governor Mike Leavitt and families and business people from all over the state. The high-school-age athletes will compete in ten different sports, and will also participate in several cultural and humanitarian events.The Games will be held July 19-26 in Moscow, and corresponding Winter Games will be held in Utah in February, 2004.

Utah-based Neways International is the official sponsor of Team Utah. The company’s generous contribution will cover almost 80% of Team Utah’s travel expenses.

4:37:46 PM