Lake Placid Celebrates 45th Anniversary of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games  

Events and Activities to Commemorate Triumphs, History, Community, and Legacy Impact  

Lake Placid, NY (January 14, 2025)— The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority announces a line-up of events celebrating the 45th anniversary of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, a milestone that holds deep significance for the community and sports history. Through March 8, 2025, Olympic Authority venues, the Village of Lake Placid, and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum are hosting a range of engaging activities, events, and commemorations that honor the iconic moments and remarkable achievements that have shaped this winter sports haven.

 

“Celebrating 45 Years of 'Give It All You Got’” 

In keeping with the official theme song of the 1980 Games, the celebration theme of “Give It All You Got” will pay tribute to the inspiring spirit of Olympic competition and the lasting legacy of the athletes, organizers, and residents who made the event possible. The commemoration is designed to unite the community, engage visitors, and showcase Lake Placid's vibrant history in the world of winter sports.

 

Key Events and Activities:

  • Lighting of the Olympic Center (February 20-24, 2025): The Olympic Center will be illuminated in gold to honor Eric Heiden’s remarkable five gold medals and red, white, and blue in celebration of the “Miracle on Ice” hockey victory amongst other achievements made by Team USA at the 1980 Games. 

  • Community Skating on the Oval (February 13-24, 2025): A perfect way for locals and visitors to step into Olympic history by skating on the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, with special 45th-anniversary events and free tickets for registered local students and their families. Come skate while listening to the official song of the 1980s Games and other Olympic-themed music. 

  • Hockey Week Across America (February 17-23, 2025): Lake Placid will participate in USA Hockey’s national celebration with themed events, including USA Day, Volunteer Appreciation Day, and Hockey Jersey Day with a 1980 twist (wear your vintage 1980 jersey or any Team USA hockey jersey). 

  • Behind the Scenes at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum (Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.): Learn more about our archives and collections by exploring objects not currently on display. Chat with a Museum Educator and examine artifacts from the 1980 Games. The special theme in February will be “A Spectator Starter Pack” with 1980 Winter Olympic artifacts from the archives.  

  • Touch-a-Torch (Fridays & Saturdays, 2:00-3:30 p.m.): In celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games, visitors have the unique opportunity to hold the 1980 torch and learn about the torch relay. 

  • Gallery Talk (Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. in February): Journey through time to revisit the world, the nation, and the village of Lake Placid as they were during the 1980 Games. Entitled ‘Remembering 1980’, celebrate and continue the legacy of our role in the Olympic Winter Games through inspiration and engagement. 

  • Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton in Lake Placid (February 22, 2025, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Olympic Oval): Participate in a special commemorative skate honoring those impacted by cancer, Sk8 to Elimin8, featuring Scott Hamilton, who was the U.S. flagbearer of the 1980 Games.

  • Golden $5 Ticket Day (February 23, 2025): The Lake Placid Olympic Museum will offer $5 admission in honor of Eric Heiden’s legendary achievement, providing an affordable way to explore Olympic history. 

  • Flag Mural: Visit the upper finish deck at Mt Van Hoevenberg's sliding track to see the 10'x15' artwork uniting 330 unique drawings into one collective image of the U.S. flag, each representing a celebration of the Olympic legacy.

  • ‘Best Ever’ Bobsled Art Contest (March 6-16, 2025): Art enthusiasts can participate in this exciting contest at Mt Van Hoevenberg, where young visitors create and vote on bobsled-themed art inspired by the World Championships—posters highlighting different decades, including the one from the Championship that sent athletes to the 1980 Games.  

  • Soft Opening Art in Sport Exhibit (March 7, 2025): An exclusive event showcasing Olympic art by LeRoy Neiman and others, focusing on the intersection of art and sport. Three special original pieces famously highlighting the 1980 Games entitled: “Winter Olympics, Lake Placid,” “Lake Placid ‘80 Skiing,” and “Lake Placid ‘80 Skating.”

  • North Country Art in Sport Awards Ceremony (March 8, 2025, 12:30 p.m.): A special ceremony honoring student artists from Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties, celebrating the spirit of Olympism through artistic expression.

 

Honoring the Legacy 

These events will not only celebrate the history and achievements of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games but also encourage community engagement and enhanced guest experiences during President's Week. Through collaborative efforts with local businesses, educational institutions, and Olympic organizations, the celebration will honor Lake Placid's role in Olympic history, inviting residents, families, and visitors to experience the village’s rich winter sports culture firsthand.  From skating on the historic Olympic Oval to exploring Olympic memorabilia and participating in unique community events, this celebration showcases Lake Placid’s Olympic spirit that continues today. 

 

For more information on event dates, activities, and ticketing, please visit: 
www.lakeplacidolympiccenter.com 
www.lakeplacidolympicmuseum.org 

 

Images: https://media.orda.org/?c=732170&k=ca11d07c9b

Credit: Olympic Regional Development Authority

 

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Olympic Regional Development Authority Media Contact: Lisa Carter, lcarter@orda.org 

 

ABOUT THE OLYMPIC AUTHORITY  

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid. The Olympic Authority operates Whiteface, Belleayre, and Gore Mountains, Mt Van Hoevenberg, the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, the Olympic Jumping Complex, and the Olympic Center. As host to international, national, regional, and local events, the Olympic Authority's venues are destinations and economic catalysts of the regions it serves. 

USA Hockey Olympic Center