Ueberroth Passes the Torch

Peter Ueberroth Addresses Olympic Assembly for Final Time as USOC Chairman of the Board

October 11, 2008, Orlando, FL -- In his final address to the U.S. Olympic Committee as Chairman of the Board, Peter Ueberroth spoke to a congregation of U.S. Olympic constituents including national governing bodies, partners and guests at the Hilton Hotel in Lake Buea Visa, FL.

Ueberroth took the opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges of the past four years and left the organization with his view of imperatives for continued growth and prosperity.

He will officially pass the gavel to Larry Probst, current Chairman of EA Sports, on Sunday, October 12.  Ueberroth will serve in a non-Board, non-voting capacity role as President in an honorary capacity for the next two years.

 "You've honored me by letting me serve four years [as Chairman]," Ueberroth said.  He thanked the organization for allowing him to continue serving in his new role, providing guidance and support though 2010.

Summarizing his experience at the Beijing 2008 Games, Ueberroth commended the  Olympians and Paralympians for their sportsmanship and for competing drug-free. 

"One thing I will always remember about this entire four year term in which you've given me the privilege of being Chair, we've taken a clean team...in 2004, 2006, and 2008."

Ueberroth also recognized success in the conduct and performance of the U.S. athletes in Beijing. 

"They were very respectful of their competitors, not only in their tough competition, but in their conduct," he said.  "My hat is off to them." 

He compared the athletes' sportsmanship to previous years and thought it was "at the highest level I've ever seen.  They chose to be a team."

While reflecting on the role of the U.S. within the global Olympic movement, Ueberroth made a point of recognizing the financial contributions of U.S. corporations including General Electric, parent company of NBC. 

"Starting in 1988 until today, and in the next quad the United States of America corporations pay 60 percent of all the money in the Olympic movement, period.  The rest of the world pays 40 percent," stated Ueberroth. 

He urged the new Chairman and Board of Directors to work diligently to ensure that this economical disparity is understood internationally, also stating that "any discussion on revenues will be solved fairly and equitably for all sides."

Ueberroth emphasized the importance of international relations and encouraged the U.S.O.C. to develop "a real relationship with the host country," citing the quiet contribution of 1,000 disaster relief tents towards the earthquake victims in China.  The donation was made on behalf of the U.S. athletes.

"We have a responsibility to the Olympic family to have good relationships."  Ueberroth said.  "We have to do the right thing."

Ueberroth also encouraged continued U.S. support of the international Olympic movement by sharing U.S. training facilities and resources with athletes from other countries. 

"What we need to do in the Olympic movement is spread our wings and make friends around the world.  We need to become an international organization in every sport so our athletes will do better and they'll be accepted more around the world."

He also recommended the organization continue efforts towards improving U.S. engagement in the international governance of the Olympic movement. 

"We have got to be a player globally," Ueberroth said.

Ueberroth's proven success internationally is expected to benefit the movement, particularly with efforts during selection process of the 2016 Games host city.

Ueberroth discussed the strengths of the Chicago bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

"We have a huge advantage over anybody else," he said, "We have ethnic diversity in our country that's far greater than any other candidate city."

In what was an out-going nod of support for a potential U.S. Olympic Network, Ueberroth stated, "We have a responsibility to the health of our nation to get more sports up and visible day-to-day.   We have to take those sports to our country.  And we have to do it through television."

"The United States Olympic brand will carry the day."

As Ueberroth passes the torch of leadership to Probst, he was asked about his most significant achievement.  "People will ask me what is the most important thing I've done, and I answer I haven't done it yet," the Chairman said.  "I don't know what's going to be the next challenge I'll face."