U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for January 24

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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MONDAY, JANUARY 24: FIRST WINTER OLYMPICS

Profile America -- Monday, January 24th.  The first Winter Olympics began this week in 1924.  The site was Chamonix, France, 258 athletes took part, representing 16 nations.  Technically called the "International Winter Sports Week," the event was recognized later by the Olympic committee as the first Winter Olympics.  In those games, Norway won 17 medals, Finland 11, and the United States had 4.  The ski jump thrilled the crowd, many of which had never witnessed the sport before.  The popularity of skiing took a noticeable jump following the Olympics.  Now, more than 12 million Americans enjoy hitting the snow on slopes all over the country -- either on alpine or cross-country skis, and snowboards.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2011, p. 99

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 1212

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau