Club Med Grand Opening

Located in a region of Colorado renowned for its stunning scenery, magnificent mountains, and surreal environment, the Crested Butte Club Med grand opening was an event that was anxiously awaited by many Colorado residents. As a guest of honor at the grand opening, Dain Blanton greeted guests, partook in the numerous ski activities, and promoted this majestic environment to any and all potential visitors.

Chevrolet Olympic Torch Relay

In an effort to create awareness of the torchbearer nomination process for Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the Amateur Athletic Foundation (AAF) along with Chevrolet invited Dain Blanton to speak to students at a local elementary school. Being an Olympic Gold Medallist, Dain helped to create an atmosphere comparable to the Olympic Games. His words of inspiration and encouragement helped students grasp the importance of striving for their goals and their aspirations.

Tiger Jam

Dain Blanton was among the honorary list of guests invited to Las Vegas to stand along side Tiger Woods to promote and raise money for the Tiger Jam Foundation. Among the celebrities in attendance were singing sensations, Leanne Rimes, Christina Aguilera, and SEAL. All celebrities and artists invited were seen as influential in the community, helping to promote this foundation’s purpose. Dain’s ability and talent to work with youth, as demonstrated through his Dain Day’s at the Beach program, helped the Tiger Jam Foundation to increase revenue and help children.

Team Xerox – American Heart Association “Heart Walk”

Dain Blanton joined Team Xerox to help promote and raise funds for the American Heart Association on Saturday, September 15. The American Heart Association’s “Heart Walk” attracted over 3500 walkers and pledged to donate $250,000 to the International Association of Fire Fighters in light of the tragic events that recently occurred at the World Trade Center. Through his partnership with team Xerox, Dain is an official Olympic ambassador who travels around the country to speak at special events in attempts to raise money for the causes, as well as for the United States Olympic Team.

DAIN BLANTON RETURNED TO THE SAND TO COMPETE IN THE AVP HERMOSA BEACH OPEN JULY 17-18.

Dain got back out on the sand in Hermosa on July 17 to compete for the first time on the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour since 2008. He teamed with young 25 year old 6’7” up and comer Stafford Slick.  Due to the lack of points from inactivity they were seeded 28th and had to face the #5 team on the AVP Tour, Aaron Wachtfogel / Billy Strickland in the first round which they lost 13-21, 17-21. In the first round of the contenders bracket Blanton/Slick rebounded and defeated Mike Morrison / Eyal Zimet (12th seed) 21-19, 16-21, 15-11. The next round Blanton/Slick were defeated by Paul Baxter / Austin Rester (11th seed) and finished 17th on the weekend. Dain said that he had hoped to win a few more matches but was happy with his play and the play of his partner Stafford Slick. “It was great to be back on the court and to play with a young fiery guy like Slick made it all the better. Slick really has a lot of potential and a bright future in the beach volleyball if he commits to it. No question he has the tools to be a top AVP player” said Blanton on Saturday afternoon. Dain left the door open, saying he may play again this season. Since Dain never officially retired, he said “I may make it official at the end of the summer, which would mark the 10th anniversary since winning Gold in Sydney, but it is really great to be back on the court right now”. Blanton says he will take it one tournament at a time and that broadcasting is now his full time gig.                 

Written by J.T. Blasaki