Karlos Kirby was a dreamer when he was growing up in Des Moines, Iowa. His mother, Evelyn Jade, said Kirby was fascinated by the U.S. military and the Olympics.

Kirby has achieved two of his dreams, as an Olympic bobsledder and, now, as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Olympic and Paralympic fans will have an opportunity to meet Kirby and cheer on the home team by attending a celebration of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in Northern Arizona University's du Bois Center.

"Night of Champions," a fund-raiser hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee and NAU's Center for High Altitude Training, will include a served dinner, silent auction and viewing of the Opening Ceremonies in Torino, Italy.

Kirby competed for the United States in two Olympic Winter Games, in 1992 in Albertville, France, and in 1994 in Lillihammer, Norway. Kirby hung up his bobsled attire to don a naval uniform beginning Jan. 10.

"In both cases you have to be physically fit and well-trained to face the challenges that can arise while in the sled or out on a ship," Kirby said.

Proceeds from the Night of Champions will benefit Olympic programs in Flagstaff serving youth and adults. Tickets at $100 for individuals and other information are available at www.nau.edu/highaltitude.

The Center for High Altitude Training hosts U.S. and international teams traveling to Flagstaff for training at altitude to enhance athletic performance. Since 1996, athletes training in Flagstaff have won 191 Olympic and Paralympic medals. The center serves as a designated U.S. Olympic Training Site and is home to a Community Olympic Development Program.