Prince (July 22, 1991) – “Stars Cheer Olympians” The Winona Daily News

This Associated Press clipping from The Winona Daily News captures the excitement surrounding the opening of the 1991 International Special Olympics at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Prince, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Kirstie Alley were among the celebrities who energized the crowd of more than 50,000, while a young Minnesota athlete provided the emotional highlight of the evening.

Publication: 

The Winona Daily News   Date: Monday, July 22, 1991 Country: United States Location: Winona, Minnesota

The article describes how Prince “got them crazy,” Schwarzenegger “got them pumped up,” and Alley “cheered them on,” but it was 14‑year‑old Special Olympian Anna Smith of Nisswa who lit the cauldron to open the games. Suspended high above the Metrodome crowd, she ignited the flame that symbolized the start of the 1991 International Special Olympics.

The torch had been carried from Athens, Greece, and the four‑hour ceremony was scheduled for national broadcast on ABC‑TV on August 15 as The International Special Olympics All Star Gala.

CONTEXT AND NOTES  

This brief Associated Press item highlights Prince’s civic presence in his home state, performing for a global event that celebrated inclusion and athletic achievement. The Special Olympics broadcast later became part of the Diamonds and Pearls era’s wider media footprint, showing Prince’s connection to humanitarian and community causes beyond music.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS  

Event: Opening ceremony of the 1991 International Special Olympics Era: 1991 – Diamonds and Pearls period Tone: Uplifting, celebratory, and community‑focused Photography: Text‑only Associated Press clipping (no photographs in this edition)

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Headline block under the Minnesota section banner

• Short Associated Press report describing celebrity participation

• Mention of Prince, Schwarzenegger, Kirstie Alley, and Special Olympian Anna Smith

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2 All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.