Arizona Storytellers: Olympics in the Desert

Join azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic as we celebrate Olympics in the Desert at the Mesa Arts Center in the Virginia G. Piper Repertory Theater.

To expand The Republic's Olympic coverage, we're hosting a night of storytelling from Olympians and journalists who cover the games. On this night, we celebrate the moments that inspire and captivate nations when the world comes together to compete at the highest level in athletics. 

Co-emcee - Dan Bickley, azcentral.com Sports columnist, his coverage of the Rio Olympics will be his sixth.

Featured Speaker: 

Jeff Metcalfe, Republic sports reporter; his coverage of the Rio Olympics will be his 13th.

Featured tellers:

Amanda Borden, captain of gold medal-winning U.S. gymnastics team - Atlanta 1996

Alex Sachs, silver medal-winning Brazilian soccer team - Athens 2004  

Judi Coe Adams, U.S. archer - Atlanta 1996 

Misty Hyman, gold medal winning 200-meter butterfly U.S. swimmer - Sydney 2000

Abdi Abdirahman, U.S. 10,000 meters and Marathon runner - Sydney 2000; Athens 2004; Beijing 2008 and London 2012 

Become a subscriber: All Arizona Republic and azcentral subscribers receive a complimentary, gourmet brownie from Fairytale Brownies at check-in. Click here to learn about other great subscriber perks. 

Accessibility Note: If you require ASL Interpretation Services for this event or a future Storytellers event, or if you require accommodations related to mobility or seating, contact Alexus Rhone at arhone@gannett.com. 

Thank you for joining us for Arizona Storytellers Project!

Here are additional details to make your storytellers experience spectacular:  

• Tickets available are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Our nights typically sell out. 
• A limited number of tickets may be offered for purchase at the door.
• We accept only credit. 
• Event check-in starts at 5:30 p.m. Stories begin promptly at 7 p.m.
• Seating at the event is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  
• Proceeds from this event will be used to support Arizona Republic/azcentral journalism training and education programs.
• We are unable to offer refunds on any purchased ticket. 
• Got an idea for an Arizona Storytellers topic or want to share your story? Contact Megan Finnerty: megan.finnerty@arizonarepublic.com.