The 2002 Olympics Winter Games were a great success — a time when people of all nations came to Salt Lake City, some with suspicions and prejudices, and left with appreciation and respect — said President Gordon B. Hinckley Feb. 26.

AP photo by Douglas C. Pizac

President Hinckley raises the Olympic torch in front of Church headquarters. He also viewed several Olympic competitions.

"I think we will be pleased and benefit from [the Olympics] not only abroad but right here at home in the great relationships we've had in this season putting on these world games," said President Hinckley during an interview with Deseret News religion editor Carrie Moore.

During the Games, President Hinckley met with the president of the United States, the president of Germany, the President of Finland and the Vice Chancellor of Austria, as well as numerous business executives and leaders, and international media.

Those meetings, he said, were entirely positive and productive. "We made very many good friends, and hope those friendships will continue."

In addition, President Hinckley had the opportunity to see coverage of snowboard, ski jumping and skiing competitions, attend the opening ceremonies and briefly hold the Olympic torch.

The Olympics, he said, bring out excellence in athletics and people. "It's a wonderful thing that someone becomes the best in the entire world in that particular type of event. This matter of excellence is such a wonderful thing. The Olympics were designed to cultivate that. What a great thing that was. With all that, you had the fellowship, friendship, appreciation, respect and good feeling. I don't know how we could have done any better."

One benefit of the Games, he said, was people getting to know Church members and tasting of their hospitality and service. "We're a part of this community. We had so very many volunteers who gave unselfishly there. We're friendly, hospitable and gracious. I think the whole world saw us as we are, and I think they came to appreciate and respect us."

President Hinckley added that the great language skills of returned missionaries served as a huge resource during the Olympics. "They spoke with ease in the language of the people with appreciation for their culture. That was a tremendous asset in hosting the Olympics here. I'm proud of that and the part our people played in it."

The Church, he continued, kept its promise to avoid the appearance of making the Olympics the "Mormon Games" as some news media had predicted. "We held back, as we said we would, on proselytizing," he said. "There was no attempt to create a perception that these were the Mormon Games, and I think we succeeded in [dispelling] that. Some very substantial good has come and will continue to come of it."

Photo by Chuck Wing

President Hinckley responds to questions during interview.

President Hinckley said that the Games may have a lasting positive effect on the Church internationally. "As old suspicions die and understanding increases, the openness becomes more evident. People are more receptive and willing to listen. They will have a greater interest, I think. I think it all will be a by-product for good from the occasion which we've just concluded."

Within Utah, he added, the Games also may have left a legacy.

"We have never done other than help those of other faiths to come here; we've assisted them in establishing themselves and we welcome their presence and hope they will be comfortable. It's a wonderful community and I hope that all who live here will appreciate that fact and enjoy and get along well together in a neighborly fashion. We don't have to have divisiveness or judgment. We don't have to have an adversarial relationship. We can be friendly and respectful and kind."

Concluding, President Hinckley shared his love for all the world's people — many of whom visited Utah during the Games. "I love people," he said. "I think I love all people. I recognize that all men and women are the sons and daughters of God and that as such all of us are brothers and sisters in a very real sense. You cannot have fatherhood without brotherhood. That's the way I feel."

And now that the Games are over, President Hinckley said he will look forward, focusing on the dedication of the Snowflake Arizona Temple, March 3, and general conference, April 6-7.

"I'm glad it's behind us, that it went so well, and I'm looking forward to new opportunities," he said.