May-September, 1980
Careline’s 1980
Summer Olympics
V ~^S« A
The CRO organizers were on the field long before sun up
blowing up the thousands of balloons which were released
during the opening ceremonies.
In the process of sponsoring a unique salute
to the U. S. Olympic athletes Piedmont employees
produced a fun-filled and memorable day for
themselves on August 9, 1980.
Among the special guests who attended the
day-long event on the campus of Wake Forest
University in Winston-Salem were Bob Mathias,
the world’s only two-time Olympic decathlon
champion, and his wife Gwen; John B. Kelly,
Jr., a four-time participant in Olympic rowing
competition and current first vice-president of
the United States Olympic Committee; and Irwin
Belk, North Carolina fund-raising chairman of
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Officials on hand for the star-studded opening
included, from left, Winston-Salem’s l^ayor
Wayne Corpening, Olympic gold medalist Bob
Mathias, his wife Gwen and North Carolina U. S.
Olympic Chairman Irwin Belk.
Barbara Collins was one of the relay
team of torch bearers who brought
the flame from the general office to
the playing field.
the U. S. Olympic Committee.
Employees from central res, general office
and general aviation were joined by representa
tives from nearly every station on the system.
They came to parade for, participate in, officiate
and enjoy a broad range of track and field
events and Olympic regulation volleyball.
The idea for what became the most exciting day
of Piedmont’s summer was conceived by the CRO
Careline Committee. In just eight weeks they
planned and produced an event which made all
of Piedmont proud and they did it by committee!
There were committees for site selection, decora
tions, games, and scheduling music, publicity,
refreshments, transportation, meeting and greet
ing celebrity guests, reception for participants,
first aid, end of the day party and clean up.
The elaborate opening ceremonies involved
enough details to destroy the enthusiasm of all but
a fanatic and that part of the program didn’t
even faze our fervent Olympic production crew.
The games which started at 10 a.m. and lasted
all day, included volleyball and relays of 4000,1600
and 800 meters; volleyball, and long jump and
high jump competition; volleyball and open events
of 1500, 800 and 400 meters; volleyball and shot
put contests; volleyball and 100 and 110 meter
hurdles; and volleyball and 100 meter finals.
All categories were divided for men and
women and except for volleyball separated by
age into three groups, up-to-34, 35-49 and 50-up.
Those in the higher age groups were allowed
to compete in younger categories though the
younger employees weren’t permitted to sign up
for competition against their elders.
There were at least 80 employee officials
who kept track of times, scores and distances.
The staggering statistics showed that in just the
volleyball games there were 403 players on 39
teams who played 77 games. Nearly 300 gold,
silver and bronze medals were awarded during
the day that was a winner for every one of the
3000 people who were there. The field partici-
NO SMOKING
Pierce Swing was the final runner who brought
the torch onto the field where it was kept burning
during the day by Dee Moles.
pants took home the largest trophy for having
won the most points.
In addition to saluting our country’s Olympic ath
letes and promoting unity among employees, the 1980
Careline Olympics raised over $2300. Irwin Belk,
North Carolina fund raising chairman for the U.S.
Olympic Committee, accepted the money which
included funds from concessions and donations.
More pictures are on pages four-six.
Wesf Virginia Governor Rockefeller sent his
State’s flag for the occasion. It was presented to
President Davis by Charleston employees, from
left, Jamie Lucas, Jay Barnhouse and Tom
Wheeler.
Msm
A hot air balloon and special flags from participating departments added
color to the day.
The opening ceremonies included a parade of departments, here's the
general office.