Michael Jordan

Tickets are now on sale for the 12th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) golf event in Las Vegas, April 4-7, 2013. The beautiful ARIA Resort & Casino located on The Strip is hosting the four-day event which will be held at Shadow Creek golf course.

This magnificent Las Vegas golf course with its rolling terrain, spectacular waterfalls, and lush gardens is ranked among Golf Week magazine’s Top 10 courses.

As in previous years, this four-day tournament and celebration attracts the biggest names in sports and entertainment while raising money for charitable organizations which include Make-A-Wish Foundation, James R. Jordan Foundation, Opportunity Village, and Cats Care, the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats’ charity arm, as well as the participating celebrities’ charities of choice.

The following events are scheduled with additional festivities surrounding the Saturday and Sunday competition, as well as celebrity participants and guests, to be announced in the near future.

April 4-5: One celebrity golfer will be paired with four amateur participants for the first of two rounds of the Celebrity-Amateur Competition.

April 6: The MJCI two-person, 36-hole scramble format tournament begins and includes only the competing celebrities.

April 7: The second and final round of the MJCI will be played.

Michael Jordan said, “2012’s event was an amazing weekend for the tournament’s guests, partners and fans. As always, the hospitality at ARIA exceeded all expectations, and Shadow Creek proved as beautiful and challenging as ever. I’m excited for yet another successful tournament and look forward to spending time with friends while raising funds for some great causes.”

Tickets for the 12th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) are on sale and available at all 10 MGM Resorts’ box offices and concierge desks in Las Vegas, and online at arialasvegas.com, mjcigolf.com and shadowcreek.com or call (877) 253-5847 for more information.

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your Las Vegas travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

If golf is your passion, you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity. Play 18 holes with PGA TOUR professionals from the field of the 2013 Masters on Saturday, April 13th during the Masters and experience professional golf play first hand.

The Saturday Series Pro-Am will be held at the highly regarded Reserve Club at Woodside Plantation in Aiken, SC.

Since there is no official Pro-Am before or during the Masters, this will be the only opportunity for amateurs to play golf with some of the actual participants from the Masters field. Rounding out the Pro-Am field will be 6 PGA TOUR professionals from the actual Masters field and 6 highly notable PGA TOUR professionals. Twelve groups of 4 amateurs will play with one TOUR professional.

Each group will play nine holes with a PGA TOUR professional from the Masters field and nine holes with a notable TOUR player not from the field. There are 48 spots available for sale and tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

One spot in the Saturday Series Masters Pro-Am will retail for $6,000 which will include:

– A fun-filled day “inside the ropes” with PGA TOUR professionals from the field of the 2013 Masters as well as some past Masters contestants.

– A unique format which allows the amateurs to play with two different PGA TOUR professionals during the 18 hole round.

– Breakfast with the TOUR professionals, an interactive pre-round clinic, an opportunity to warm up alongside the PGA TOUR professionals on the range, 18 holes of golf with a competition and an awards luncheon following play.

– Unique, high-end gift package, on course contests, prizes and championship styled trophies for the winning team.

– Autographed photographs, commemorative Masters pin flag and an opportunity to meet all of the PGA TOUR professionals at the Pro-Am.

For this exclusive event, a Saturday Series Player Panel Dinner will take place on Friday, April 12th at a first class venue close to the Augusta National Golf Club. The dinner is open to the public with limited seating for 100 special guests, sold on a first come, first serve basis.

Pricing per Seat: $700.00; Pricing per 10 Seat Table: $6,500.00 which will feature:

– A fun filled and interactive evening with PGA TOUR professionals competing in The 2013 Masters

– A lively cocktail reception with five star hors d’oeuvres

– A first class full course dinner complemented with fine wines

– PGA TOUR professionals sharing insights as contestants playing in The Masters

– A moderated interactive panel discussion featuring Masters contestants telling stories about life on TOUR and giving opinions on the current hot topics in golf

– Each guest receives a commemorative Masters pin flag autographed by the PGA TOUR

You have the option of participating in both the Pro-Am and the Player Panel Dinner or sign up for just one of the events. The choice is yours.

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your 2013 Masters: Saturday Series Pro-Am or and Player Panel Dinner request. We will promptly get back to you.

Aspen Colorado – Matt Inden/Miles – Colorado Tourism Office

No matter whether you want to participate or just observe from the sidelines, Colorado is the place to be this winter season with non-stop extreme sports action in the mighty Rocky Mountains and the state’s popular ski resorts.

It’s time to visit Colorado’s world famous mountains and watch professional ski and snowboard athletes compete for coveted titles.  If you’re up for it, then strap on your equipment and get in on the action yourself!

Enjoy a jam packed season in the Rocky Mountains with extreme sports, including the high-profile ESPN Winter X Games 17 at
Buttermilk Mountain to the amateur cross-country ski race Alley Loop at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Colorado visitors will find endless event entertainment on the slopes this winter.

Below is a list of some of the major 2012/13 events in Colorado and the majestic Rocky Mountains that you can enjoy as either a spectator or competitor in one of 25 renowned ski areas and resorts.

Ski and Snowboardcross Cup
(http://www.tellurideworldcup.com/)
(Dec. 12 – 15, 2012) Teams from around the world will gather in Telluride on their road to the 2014 Sochi Olympics. This year’s action will begin December 12 with Skiercross, followed by Snowboardcross December 14 and 15, both of which provide fantastic viewing opportunities for spectators. This is the first year the two events have been combined.

Dew Tour
(http://www.breckenridge.com/events/dew-tour.aspx)
(Dec. 13 – 16, 2012) The Dew Tour’s iON Mountain Championship brings the world’s top ski and snowboard athletes, including Shaun White, Scotty Lago, Louie Vito, Kelly Clark and more. Athletes will compete on the mountain in freeski and snowboard superpipe, Big Air, and slopestyle events. Attendees will also find entertainment at concerts and parties in the town of Breckenridge.

Sprint U.S. Grand Prix
(http://www.coppercolorado.com/summer/events_and_activities/calendar/341654664)
(Jan. 7 – 12, 2013) Witness top freeskiers and snowboarders from around the globe as they battle on Copper Mountain in one of the largest competitive winter sports events, the U.S.S.A. Halfpipe Grand Prix.

Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships
(http://www.gobreck.com/events/international-snow-sculpture-championships)
(Jan. 22 – 26, 2013) This year, 16 teams from 15 different countries, including teams from India and Singapore, will put their skills to the test, hand-carving 12-foot-tall, 20-ton blocks of snow into works of art. New this year, amateur photographers can join in a half-day workshop to gain knowledge, tips and techniques for capturing the temporary outdoor art gallery.

ESPN Winter X Games 17
(http://www.aspenchamber.org/event-details/index.cfm?action=detail&mID=42&eID=938)
(Jan. 24 – 27, 2013) More than 200 of the world’s best skiing, snowboarding and snowmobile athletes will converge on Aspen this January for the action-packed and highly anticipated four-day event.
Shaun White, Gretchen Bleiler, Lindsey Jacobellis and other world-class winter athletes will compete for some of the most coveted medals in action sports. The Winter X Games events are free to the public at Buttermilk Mountain.

22nd Annual Extreme Freeskiing Championships
(http://www.skicb.com/cbmr/event-calendar.aspx?mode=&selmonth=2013-02-01&selweek=1&type=)
(Feb. 6 – 10, 2013) As a 4-star qualifier stop on the Subaru Freeskiing Tour, Crested Butte Mountain Resort challenges the best skiers and riders in the world to take the craziest runs down epic mountain terrain. Spectators can watch competitors vie for the Sick Bird award and for points toward the Swatch Freeride World Tour.

U.S. Telemark National Championships
(http://www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/events/2013/02/us-telemark-national-championships.aspx)
(Feb. 22 – 24, 2013) Watch as the fastest telemark skiers in the U.S. compete for the highest title during this three-day event at Steamboat Resort. Racers telemark ski through GS gates, over jumps
and stake uphill on this challenging course as they go head to head against the top telemark skiers in the country.

18th Annual Ouray Ice Festival
(http://ourayicepark.com/)
(http://ourayicepark.com/)
(Jan. 10 – 13, 2013) World-class ice climbing competitors will showcase their edge in Ouray’s premier ice climbing festival this January. Guests both young and old can witness and partake in climbing competitions, demonstrations, clinics, guided climbs and additional activities.

Winter Park SnowDash
(http://playwinterpark.chambermaster.com/Events/details/winter-park-snowdash-5538)
(Jan. 26, 2013) The SnowDash is an adventurous 5k race in downtown Winter Park, where extreme racers climb over cargo nets, run uphill in the snow, crawl through powder pits, and dart up steep terrain. Four waves of competitors will complete six to eight obstacles in front of a cheering crowd and loud music.

27th Annual Alley Loop Nordic Race
(http://www.skicb.com/cbmr/event-calendar.aspx?mode=vs.detail&eventId=02022013&selmonth=2013-02-01&location=&location2=&type=&eventDate=20130202)
(Feb. 2, 2013) Crested Butte’s signature race and costume party returns for the 27th year for all ages and Nordic ski abilities. Cross-country skiers will race through alleys, over bridges and past downtown homes. More challenging loops are available on the outskirts of Crested Butte. The event also features a Friday night ski-pub crawl, “Taste of the Alley.”

Winter Mountain Games Presented by Eddie Bauer
(http://www.vail.com/events/winter-mountain-games.aspx)
(Feb. 8 – 10, 2013) Professional and amateur athletes will converge on Vail Mountain and Vail Village for the second annual Winter Mountain Games in celebration of adventure sports. The event will feature competitions in mixed/ice climbing, mountain cyclocross, Big Air, dual slalom biking, Nordic and telemark skiing, ski mountaineering, snowshoe racing and ascension with $60,000 in prize money up for
grabs.

Twin Lakes Ice Fishing Derby
(http://www.visitleadvilleco.com/Default.asp)
(Feb 16 – 17, 2013) Anglers compete for the largest fish in this annual Leadville Rod & Gun Club event at Twin Lakes. Prizes are awarded for mackinaw, brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon. Prizes range from $50 to $500.

Kayaks on Snow
(http://www.skimonarch.com/)
(April 6, 2013) Join in Monarch Mountain’s signature event as contestants race head to head down a specially designed course that features multiple barriers and finishes in an icy pond. Spectators and participants are encouraged to dress creatively.

Courtesy of: Copacabana Palace

The next World Cup soccer event will be held in 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  For soccer or football fans around the world who wish to be part of the world’s biggest sport, we have an incredible offer to present.

The World Cup is an international soccer event and now you can experience a true VIP package experience, sponsored by Roadtrips.

This ultimate World Cup getaway includes premium accommodations at Brazil’s most iconic property – the Copacabana Palace.

To become part of the of this special 11-day soccer competition, you’ll gain VIP access to the World Cup semifinals and final, first-class lodging at the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, luxurious transportation solutions, private Rio tours, plus memorable explorations of the nearby Amazon.

Photo: FIFA

This exclusive VIP World Cup package includes the following:

* Luxury suite accommodations at the Copacabana Palace
* Private jet charters to/from the semifinal matches in Belo Horizonte and Sao Paulo
* VIP seating for the World Cup semifinals and final
* Private guides and private sedans for all transfers, day tours and match day experiences including a tour of Rio with highlights such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, and the Tijuca National Rainforest Park
* Gourmet multi-course dinners in Rio De Janiero, Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte’s top-rated restaurants
* Exclusive cruise on the Amazon River in a luxury private yacht with a private Chef and private biologist guide
* Luxury Amazon eco adventure, including swimming with pink dolphins and trekking through jungle routes with expert guides
* Business air travel to/from Amazon eco adventure
* Superlative service with personal on-site hosts and tailored concierge services

This once in a lifetime 2014 World Cup experience to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is designed for 6 people. The VIP package is priced starting at $668,200.

For additional information or to make a reservation, please contact us below:

Peterson Fine Mill

Ultimately the key to a great golf putter is its performance. Foremost, Kevin Peterson at Peterson Fine Mill in Southern California wanted to ensure his custom made putters offered the ultimate performance available.

Each putter is completely CNC milled and includes incredible artwork that makes your putter much more than to just drain putts. Kevin Peterson is a highly respected golf putter craftsman and has perfected his craft for almost two decades at Peterson Fine Mill.

Kevin clearly understands the delicate balance of style and performance by designing his custom made putters with perfect lines and precise weighting.

Each Peterson Fine Mill, custom putter is personally personally designed, milled, inspected, and detailed by Kevin Peterson. He goes that extra mile to ensure his golf products meet his high standard of excellence.

These limited edition golf putters from Peterson Fine Mill make the perfect holiday gift for avid golf lovers. Custom designs can be commissioned upon request. In addition, the company also offers personalization on all of their pieces.

These golf putters make the perfect gift during the holidays or anytime of the year. To learn more or to purchase a custom, luxury golf putter for that golf lover in your life, please visit www.petersonfinemill.com

1494 is a private, members only club that uniquely unites individuals in the collection and enjoyment of single malt Scotch whisky.

New York City based 1494 was officially launched on June 1, 2012 and celebrates the spirit’s 518th anniversary. The organization’s name honors the first written record of Scotch Whisky’s distillation at the orders of Scotland’s Renaissance King, James IV on June 1, 1494.

1494 has partnered with Connoisseur Golf and developed an exclusive Founders Golf and Distillery trip to Scotland in June 2013.  In addition, 1494 will also utilize Connoisseur Golf’s luxury services for its members and for follow-on trips to Scotland.

Connoisseur Golf provides bespoke luxury golf travel for both individuals and businesses looking to experience an ultimate golf vacation to beautiful Scotland.

Scotland has over 500 golf courses and Connoisseur Golf affords their clients the opportunity to make their own little piece of history, and follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous golfers.

Saint Andrews

The Founders Golf and Distillery trip will include:
. Private Jet: New York – Edinburgh roundtrip
. Welcome Cocktails and Dinner
. Personal Chauffeured Mercedes 24/7 with Concierge/Driver
. Golf on The Old Course, St. Andrews; The PGA Centenary Course; Gleneagles; Royal Troon and Turnberry
. Helicopter Transfers
. Full Scottish Breakfast overlooking the Courses each morning
. Private Dinners
. Six nights in Executive Suites at The 5* Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
. One night in a Member Room at an exclusive private championship course
. Meet Host Member Gordon Sherry (Former British Amateur Champion/Walker Cup Player)
. Clay Shooing at the Gleneagles Gun School
. Two nights in Deluxe Ocean View Suites at The 5* Turnberry Resort
. 3 VIP Distillery Tours arranged by 1494

This history and outstanding personal service, makes Connoisseur Golf the perfect partner for 1494 and its discerning members.

Setting the gold standard for the New York City private-membership experience, 1494 has spared no detail
in perfecting a membership model that features exclusive benefits and privileges befitted to royalty.

Annual dues for a 1494 Founding membership is $175,000.

My Luxury Auctions

How would you like to enjoy an incredible 4 day – 3 night getaway for 2 people and attend the 2013 55th Annual Grammy Awards? Of course you’d love to, but what if it didn’t cost you anything to win the auction. Even better, right? Now read on and make your dream a reality.

My Luxury Auctions “MyLuxuryAuctions.com” helps everyday people achieve uncommon prestige and gives anyone a wonderful opportunity to own and experience everything that is luxury – luxury vacations, cruises, jewelry, cars, yachts, real estate and much more! The thrill of online bidding is truly an adrenalin rush – become part of this exciting trend.

The Life of Luxury (https://www.thelifeofluxury.com) has partnered with My Luxury Auctions to create and provide an array of luxury products and travel packages to auction off. The first package (valued at $12,000) we offered is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend the 55th Annual Grammy Music Awards scheduled for Feb. 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

Grammy Music Awards

If you are the auction winner, two people will fly to Los Angeles, California on Friday then spend Saturday exploring the city’s  popular local landmarks and luxury stores. On Sunday, you’ll attend the Grammys then fly home on Monday. This amazing luxury auction travel package includes all airfare (first class) and hotel accommodations (five star or greater.)

As a leading provider of VIP Event Tickets, The Life of Luxury is very excited to partner with My Luxury Auctions and provide the best life has to offer.

With an ambitious goal of becoming the world’s best online penny auction service for luxury products, MyLuxuryAuctions.com offers people a chance to experience uncommon prestige.

I asked Jason Mottley from My Luxury Auctions what was the driving force behind the company’s concept?

A: “We realized there was an untapped market for a quality online venue which could hold high-end luxury auctions and most importantly – give back to the community through charitable donations.

Of course everybody is familiar with eBay but is not built for the luxury market. A lot more finesse and care is required with selling luxury items or assets that can be valued sometimes into the tens of millions of dollars.”

Auction sites like My Luxury Auctions provide numerous advantages over traditional auctions. Discover that many luxury items may be obtained at a fraction of their regular cost. By simply visiting, you’ll get an opportunity to bid and win a luxury product or vacation package for a whole lot less … literally pennies on the dollar.

Jason Mottley was asked about the large amount of interest and media coverage My Luxury Auctions has received so far?

A: “We’re not really surprised at all. We saw the need for such a niche. By creating this auction venue, we created a single place on the web to buy the best luxury products available. This levels the playing field the field by making luxury items within reach of almost anyone.

What we’re most proud of is the winning auction bid becomes our Auction Donation Value. MyLuxuryAuctions.com will donate this closing value of the auction price to one of five charities the winning bidder selects, including: American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Promise House and Loving My Neighbor.”

To begin, the process is quite simple. All you’ll need to get started is purchase your credits in advance then start bidding on any luxury item you like. Access high-end luxury products and services at extremely low prices.

Looking for a memorable tropical vacation? There are currently several terrific luxury vacation getaways available including a 9 day trip to Hawaii for 4 people. Begin by visiting The Big Island and Maui, then end up on the capital island of Oahu. Looking for a romantic getaway for 2, then you’re in luck. Enjoy time on the lush, Garden Island of Kauai, the tranquility of Lanai, then finish up by experiencing the true Hawaiian culture on magical Molokai.

If you have always wanted to own a luxury boat, then take a look at a 2009 Supra Sunsport 24V. This incredible red craft measures 24 feet long, and offers a 340 Hp engine. The boat holds up to 16 people and is loaded to ensure a fun-filled afternoon on the lake. If purchased new, this luxury boat would retail at around $80,000. Bid now and can you can end up winning it for just pennies on the dollar.

Don’t worry about getting a sub-par trip. Each vacation package offered is booked using only first class travel and the best accommodations. In addition, the winner will also receive a pre-paid debit card valued at thousands of dollars of instant cash available to spend as you wish!  This offering is an unheard of value-added reward.

Keep a look out for many other luxury products such as fine watches, jewelry, high fashion, vacation getaways, shopping experiences, and much more!

You’ll receive A+ service throughout the auction process. One of their Destination Experts will help the winner customize their vacation experience.

So what are you waiting for!  Please visit http://MyLuxuryAuctions.com and start bidding!

Crowbush Golf Course

By avoiding the busy summer season, you can enjoy the cooler weather and some great golf in scenic Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Enjoy Prince Edward Island’s world-class golf courses by deciding between four packages, each featuring three full days of golf at a number of top-rated courses, along with wonderful accommodations in the majestic Prince Edward Island.

Golfers who try one of the Fall Fore Golf Packages will experience cool, crisp winds plus incredible golf course conditions.

Each golf course provides the opportunity to partake in a scenic tour of Prince Edward Island. These golf packages offer the ideal blend of challenge and beauty for the ultimate golf fanatic’s getaway.

The four options as part of the Fall Fore Golf Packages include:

The North Shore Package Includes:
* 3 rounds on a choice of one of the following courses: Glasgow Hills, Eagles Glenn, Andersons Creek, Green Gables and Stanhope
* 2 nights of accommodations in a 2 bedroom cottage in the Cavendish area
* Based on Quad Occupancy

Price is $289 per person (September 1-16), and $199 per person
(September 17- close), including tax. Based on availability. Power carts are not included.

The City Lights Package Includes:
* 3 rounds on a choice of one of the following courses: Fox Meadow, Belvedere, Countryview, Clyde River or Glen Afton
* 2 night of accommodations at a select hotels in Charlottetown
* Based on Double Occupancy

Price is $399 per person (September 1-16), and $349 per person
(September 17- close), including tax. Based on availability. Power carts are not included.

The 72 Hour Challenge Package Includes:
* 4 rounds on the following courses: Crowbush Cove, Brudenell (2 rounds), Dundarave
* 2 nights of accommodations in a standard room at Rodd Brudenell Resort
* Based on Double Occupancy

Price is $399 per person (September 1-16), and $299 per person
(September 17- close), including tax. Based on availability. Power carts are not included.

The Fall Break Package Includes:
* 2 rounds on the Mill River golf course
* 2 nights of accommodations at Rodd Mill River Resort
* Based on Double Occupancy

Price is $219 per person (September 1-16), and $199 per person
(September 17- close), including tax. Based on availability. Power carts are not included.

Travelers who want to spend time in beautiful Prince Edward Island, Canada can also enjoy the local island restaurants and culinary festivals, historical guides, plus many other authentic activities perfect for a fall getaway of family or friends.

To learn more, please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

As the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London have ended, there were so many incredible stories of success and overcoming adversity to become the best athlete in the world.

Much like the long hours of training and drive to be number one, there is much overlap between what drives an Olympic athlete to success and what we face every day in our lives at work or home.

Shawn Anderson is a best-selling author, national speaker and motivational corporate trainer. He has a philosophy to “go the extra mile” to produce winning results at whatever he does. His goal is help motivate people to be success-driven.

So it doesn’t matter if you’re an underdog or leading contender in life, strive for what you want and keep you rend goal in sight. The key to success is within you, you just have to dig deep and make it happen!

Anderson says “Watching others succeed in the Olympics is fun…no doubt. But when we get only one life, why not try achieving our own Olympic-like success?”

But according to Shawn Anderson, there is so much more to be garnered and applied to our own lives from watching these success-driven athletes.

“An Olympic performance is an amazing example of what can happen when one stays dedicated to a mission,” Anderson says. “In fact, the Games are a perfect time to learn a few life-changing lessons that can catapult us to more success in our own lives.”

Michael Phelps

Below are eight secrets to success that Olympians such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps possess that you can embrace in order to achieve your own personal goals:

1. Olympians have an unstoppable purpose. They know what they want, and they are passionate in their pursuit of going after it. Injury might sideline them occasionally, but they have a fire within them that pushes them forward. Nothing hijacks the mission. Three-time Gold medal winner Florence Griffith Joyner: “When anyone tells me I can’t do anything, I’m just not listening any more.”

2. Olympians make every day count. They recognize that time is limited, and they are disciplined in working as hard as they can each day. Olympians understand that today’s preparation and effort determines the level of tomorrow’s success. Many athletes plan out their training schedule up to four years in advance to make sure they reach specific performance goals.

3. Olympians don’t make excuses. They focus on reasons why they can do something, not why they can’t. Swedish shooter Oscar Swahn didn’t let the excuse of age stop him from winning Olympic gold at the age of 60. Even at 72, Oscar competed in the 1920 Olympics.

4. Olympians link up with others. They connect with the best coaches so that they can learn and fully develop their  talents. At age 14, 2012 gold medal winner Gabby Douglas left the security of home for two years to train with one of the best gymnastic coaches in the world. If you want to be the best, hang with the best.

5. Olympians grow “good” from “bad.” They know that they have a choice in how to respond to every event or occurrence.  They do not surrender to negative emotions for long. South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius didn’t let being a double amputee stop him from running the 400 meters in the 2012 Games.

6. Olympians try harder. Directing all their efforts toward success, Olympians give their goal everything they have. Swimming world record holder Janet Evans swam 10 miles per day, six days a week, in order to return to the Olympics.  That’s 330 lengths of an Olympic size-pool.

7. Olympians believe “better” always exists. They believe they can jump higher, run faster and get stronger. Olympians  always push for the “more” that is inside of them. American Skeet shooter Kimberly Rhode had medaled in four previous Olympics. In 2012, she won again … this time setting an Olympic record by hitting 99 out of 100 targets.

8. Olympians don’t quit on themselves. They recognize defeat as a necessary obstacle to overcome in order to find  eventual victory. Failure is short term and Olympians never let a defeat define them. Dan Jansen was favored to win  skating Gold in 1988, but on race day, Dan’s sister died. He later fell on the ice missing out on a medal. Never quitting, Jansen came back two Olympics later and won his Gold.

The London 2012 Olympic Games now comes to a memorable close. The Olympic Games Closing Ceremony celebrates the amazing sporting feats of all of the world’s greatest athletes who have taken part in these 2012 London Games.

The USA was once again the overall medal count by finishing with 104 total medal. Like in 2008 when it hosted the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China again finished in second place with 87 total medals. Russia came in third place with 82 medals. The United States won the most gold medals with 46.

In addition to celebrating the achievements of athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Closing Ceremony also includes the official handover from London as the host city to the next – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016.

After a successful Opening Ceremony, many people were looking forward to see how London would finish these successful and safe Summer Olympic games.

Prior to the event, Closing Ceremony Director Kim Gavin was quoted, “We want it to be the best after-show party there has ever been.”  He continues, “It is about British creativity in the arts. There is a hell of a lot of talent and music and a hell of a lot of show in the show.”

AP photo

The London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony was a fun, colorful and festive party enjoyed by many millions of people both inside Olympic Stadium as well as on TV.

The Closing Ceremony featured greater than 4,100 performers, including 3,500 adult volunteers in addition to 380 schoolchildren from the six east London Host Boroughs.

It was a grand event that showcased the great creative talent of the UK.  The spectacular show opened with pop bands Madness, Pet Shop Boys and One Direction playing their hit songs.

An incredible parade of monochrome replicas covered in newsprint of London’s most popular landmarks including Big Ben’s clocktower, Tower Bridge and the towering London Eye ferris wheel. Once unveiled, the results was the British flag rolled across the massive Olympic Stadium floor.

Once again, the next generation of British royalty was in the audience to enjoy the Closing Ceremony. Prince William’s wife, Kate, and Prince Harry were seated next to Jacques Rogge, who is the current president of the International Olympic Committee. They all sang along to the song “God Save the Queen.”

Always a highlight is parade of athletes. The stadium crowd wildly cheered and took pictures of their favorite athlete heroes. The athletes too enjoyed this amazing experience, especially after the grueling competition comes to an end.

The host country had Ben Ainslie, who is the most successful Olympic sailor ever carry the flag for Britain.

Olympic Games tradition continues as the men’s Marathon Victory Ceremony took place.

As with the historic Opening Ceremony, the main focus of this event was the rich history of music in British culture. It was a treat to see a musical retrospective of British music across the ages.

A moving image ex-Beatles John Lennon appeared on the big screen, followed by Bono with Freedom. Dressed in leather was singer George Michaels.

A parade of famous British supermodels thrilled the crowd – Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Stella Tennant and Georgia May Tennant.

Many top musical acts performed including Annie Lennox and the Spice Girls. Queen played as images of deceased Freddy Mercury singing on the various large screens.

A moving moment was the singing of the Olympic Anthem. The Brazilian delegation received the presentation for the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The skies above London lit up with an unbelievable fireworks display.

British rock band legend “The Who”performed a medley of their most popular songs after the Olympic flame was extinguished. The show closed. All of Britain should be proud for hosting such a special Olympic Games show.

REUTERS/Jorge Silva

As the career of the greatest swimmer of all-time ends, it is incredible to see what Michael Phelps has accomplished in his stellar swim career.

Earlier today, Michael Phelps swam as part of the U.S. 400-Meter Medley Relay team that brought home another gold medal. This was 18th Olympic gold that Michael Phelps has won over 3 Summer Olympic Games.

Phelp’s last medal gives him a total of 22 career Olympic medals. Along with long-time swim coach Bob Bowman, the two have brought swimming to another level in world popularity. They have traveled to hundreds of swim meets and went to thousands of pre-dawn practices with the ultimate goal of being the best swimmer in the world.

In his last Olympic race, Michael Phelps swam the third leg (butterfly) of the race and teamed with fellow American swimmers, backstroker Matt Grevers, breaststroker Brendan Hansen and freestyler Nathan Adrian.

AP Photo

The U.S. won the Gold medal a fast time of 3:29.35. Japan won the silver medal with a time of 3:31.26 and Australia took bronze at 3:31.58.

At the 2012 London Olympic Games, Michael Phelps swam in 7 races, compared to the 8 we swam in Bejing back in 2008. Phelps won four gold medals and two silver medals to become the most decorated swimmer in the London Games.

When asked about is amazing career accomplishment, Phelps replied, “I could probably sum it up in a couple of words and just say, ‘I did it.'”

Michael Phelps was proud to break the all-time medal record of 18 that was held by female Soviet gymnastics legend Larysa Latynina between 1956 – 1964.

The American 400 IM relay swim race victory also keeps a streak alive as the U.S. has never lost an Olympic 400 medley relay race.

It took almost 50 years for Michael Phelps to break the  all-time Olympic medal record.  It’s hard to believe anyone can do it ever again. Michael Phelps, you are the best!