By Andrew Schulman, Sports Illustrated
Excerpt: "For one day in December 2001 -- as the 2002 Olympic Winter Games Torch Relay made its way through New England --- Lebanon, N.H., was at the center of the Olympic universe.
"And for a town and a region that has sent numerous athletes to compete in the Games, the celebration that accompanied the torch was a fitting tribute.
"'This was a tremendous event for our community,' said Cindy Heath, director of the city’s Recreation and Parks Department. 'Everyone got involved and we had more than 5,000 spectators along the route. It was an inspiration for all of our residents.'
"More than two years after Lebanon made its contribution to the Olympic Torch Relay, that dedication to, and support for, recreation has earned it the title of Sports Illustrated Sportstown for New Hampshire."
