U.S. Olympians Association

Olympians Association  

  THE UNITED STATES OLYMPIANS ASSOCIATION

Motto

Once an Olympian, Always an Olympian

Never Former; Never Past

The mission of the United States Olympians Association is to create and implement programs that will integrate Olympians into every facet of the Olympic Movement. In support of the goals of the United States Olympic Committee, U.S. Olympians strive to foster the spirit of Olympism in each community, to motivate and encourage youth and to develop camaraderie among those who have shared the unique experience of representing their nation at the Olympic Games.


Overall Program Goal: To build a comprehensive, national Olympian Association that provides service, continuity and identity, allows Olympians to come together and continue to support the Olympians of the future; to be a continuing link between other Olympians and the USOC/Olympic Movement: develop ways to involve Olympians in all aspects of the Olympic Movement.

Key Areas:

  1. Strengthen the ties of the U.S. Olympians to the Development/Fundraising Arm of the USOC. Olympians can liaison with the donor team.

  2. Involve Olympians in all areas of the Marketing Division as requested. Olympians bring prestige and excellence which distinguish the Olympic Games sponsors. These sponsors continue to be the backbone of support for America's new generation of Olympic athletes. Hall of Fame, DHL Spirit Award.

  3. Help to continue to develop the Athlete Speaker Referral Network which will provide access to the most comprehensive roster of Olympians.

  4. Organize and develop regional, state and local Olympian Chapters.

  5. Assist the Athlete Career Program with the Career Transition Services program that prepares America's athletes to represent the United States in the ongoing pursuit and achievement of excellence in the Olympic Games and in life.

United States Olympians (USO) Leadership Team 2009-2012

THE OLYMPIAN
The Olympian is the official newsletter of the U.S. Olympians and is published bi-monthly. It is designed to share information of interest to over 5,000 Olympic alumni and the United States Olympic Committee. The newsletter is currently produced in an electronic format and is printed and mailed to those Olympians without access to email. Current and Past Issues of The Olympian ...

U.S. OLYMPIANS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
Representing the U.S. in the Olympic Games is one of our country's highest honours in sport. The U.S. Olympians Association Membership Program entitles the bearer to the rights and benefits developed by the USOC in conjunction with the U.S. Olympians. It is a fitting way to recognize both the past contributions of our Olympians and the important role they continue to play in helping make Olympic Dreams of a new generation come true. Read More ...

U.S. OLYMPIANS REUNION/CHAPTER-USOC OUTREACH SUPPORT
Over 100 Olympians from past Olympic teams gathered in San Jose, CA on July 25-27, 2008 for the first ever Olympian Reunion. They joined the Board of the U.S. Olympians, including Chapter Presidents, who were holding their annual meeting during that time. A full schedule of reunion activities was planned for the weekend Read More ...

CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL OF ACHIEVEMENT
Worked with members of the 1980 Olympic team and the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives to amend the official list of recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal of Achievement to include the 1980 United States Olympic Team. The Congressional Gold Medal of Achievement is the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress and this corrective measure was long overdue given the Moscow Olympic Games sacrifice.

DATABASE MANAGEMENT
Over 10,000 names, contact and Games records information are maintained on the Olympian Database. Regular mailings and telephone contacts provide updated information for input. Contact data on participants since 1968 is reasonably accurate with an estimated discrepancy rate of 10%. Olympians are encouraged to call the toll free Olympian Hotline to update any changes in their contact information.

OLYMPIANS FOR OLYMPIANS RELIEF FUND
The USOC has established the Olympians for Olympians Relief Fund (OORF) dedicated to providing charitable assistance to U.S. Olympians and their immediate families who demonstrate a significant need due to hardship from illness, death or other extenuating circumstances and carrying out those other activities which may assist U.S. Olympians and their families who demonstrate need as described above.

FINAL FAREWELL BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM
The U.S. Olympians Association office currently responds immediately upon hearing the news that an Olympian has passed away. Each family receives a letter of condolence signed by the President of the U.S. Olympians on behalf of all Olympians and the Olympic Family. Additionally, when we hear such news prior to the funeral, we send a U.S. Olympic 5-ring Flag to the family, which gives them the option of using it in the memorial service.

ATHLETE SPEAKER REFERRAL NETWORK
One of our goals is to increase Olympic awareness regionally and nationally, which helps promote Olympism and assists with the potential diversification and maximization of revenue streams. Read More ...

OLYMPIAN APPEARANCES
When organizations request Olympians for appearances they must work with the U.S. Olympians Association office closely and provide detailed information 30 days prior to the event.

MEDAL REPLACEMENTS
There are times when an Olympian has lost track of an earned medal and requests a replacement. The U.S. Olympians Association office handles all requests for replacements, which must be processed and approved by the IOC.

Other commemorative items such as Olympic rings, watches, and jackets may also be requested. Each request is handled on an individual basis through the U.S. Olympians Association office.