New York, NY, December 10, 2003 - This week's SPORTS ILLUSTRATED highlights the sports scene in the state of Colorado, marking the 22nd of 50 state-specific sections to be published in the magazine as part of SI's yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.

Identifying skiing as a sport unique to the state, the six-page feature also includes an accompanying essay by SI senior writer and Boulder native Rick Reilly, plus a wide range of facts, figures and photographs highlighting the most memorable moments and personalities that have shaped Colorado's sports landscape.

The Colorado edition will begin hitting newsstands on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 . Newsstand copies in Colorado will feature a cover-flap identifying the special Colorado section.

Highlights from the special section include:

• In " Skiers' Paradise ," SI senior writer E.M. Swift explains why Colorado is America's capital of winter skiing and describes the role World War II and Camp Hale in nearby Denver played in revolutionizing the sport in the U.S.
• In " Zoned Out ," SI senior writer and Boulder native Rick Reilly writes about the lack of respect Colorado receives from the sports community and the myriad of contributions it has made throughout the years.
• The Poll: Coloradans weigh in on their state's sports scene in a Harris Interactive poll that found these results:
  o Favorite major league baseball team...............Colorado Rockies (56%)
  o Favorite NFL team.................................... Denver Broncos (67%)
  o Favorite NHL team.....................................Colorado Avalanche (80%)
  o Greatest Colorado Athlete.............................John Elway (77%)
  o State's biggest rivalry..................................Colorado - Colorado State (56%)
• Enemy of the State -Oakland Raiders team owner Al Davis won with 54% of the vote. Former Denver Bronco Bill Romanowski came in second with 10% of the vote and former University of Colorado football coach Rick Neuheisel with 4%. Colorado's most hated opponent: Oakland Raiders (65%).
• Greatest Moment - Editor's pick: Following four Super Bowl losses, the Denver Broncos finally broke through on January 25, 1998, when they defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-24 on the legs of game MVP Terrell Davis and the arm of 37-year-old quarterback John Elway. The Broncos defended its title a year later with a 34-19 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

SI's 50th Anniversary program, America's Sports Illustrated: 50 Years, 50 States, 50 Sports, is a wide-ranging multimedia platform that is the most ambitious initiative in the history of the franchise. The grassroots effort, which began in July 2003 and continues through July 2004, is a yearlong celebration of sports in America. It will include editorial coverage in the magazine and online, a community sports outreach campaign with YMCA of the USA and National Recreation and Park Association, as well as The Toyota Presents Sports Illustrated's 50th Anniversary Tour that will travel to unique sports events in cities and towns throughout the country. SI's actual 50th anniversary date is August 16, 2004. Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the Tour; Starter , Best Buy and Mass Mutual are program sponsors.

Contacts: Allison Keane/SI (212) 522-5542     Stephan Pechdimaldji/SI (212) 522-7644