OLYMPIC & INTERNATIONAL SPORTS PROJECT

The Philadelphia Olympic & International Sports Project, an initiative of the Philadelphia Sports Congress, was created following the region's bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games. The Project focuses on sporting opportunities that will help Philadelphia become a more international sports destination and increase the spirit of Olympism throughout the region.

Strategic concentrations:

  • Working with United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to explore event opportunities for the Philadelphia region.
  • Further Philadelphia's recognition and reputation in international sports community.
  • Capitalize on momentum from region's Olympic bid.
  • Promote the spirit of Olympism to the region.

Recent Success

In 2007, Philadelphia was awarded the 2008 U.S. Olympic and National Team Trials for Table Tennis, the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Gymnastics, and the FISA (international rowing federation) 2009 World Rowing Forum. In 2008, Philadelphia was awarded the USA vs Puerto Rico World Boxing Dual to take place in April 2008.

USOC Community Partner Program

In 2006, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) selected Greater Philadelphia as the USOC's fifth Community Partner.

The Community Partner Program is focused on uniting forces with a select group of U.S. communities that will work directly with the USOC to increase public awareness of and participation in Olympic and Paralympic sports. As an officially designated USOC Community Partner, Greater Philadelphia will be given priority status for hosting USOC initiatives and events. Schools and organizations throughout the Philadelphia region will assist in the distribution of USOC education and outreach materials. Funds associated with the partnership can be used for efforts such as growing existing community sports programs, identifying and addressing region-wide athletic needs, and fostering the development of future Olympians in the region.

The partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee is in line with Philadelphia's athletic heritage, which includes diverse internationally-renowned competitions and vast spectator enthusiasm. The Penn Relays, established one year before the modern Olympic Games, will be hosted in Philadelphia for the 114th time in 2008, drawing more than 22,000 athletes and 112,000 spectators from around the world. Other great Philadelphia athletic traditions include the Dad Vail Regatta and the Stotesbury Cup, the nation's largest collegiate and high school regattas. The Devon Horse Show, the nation's oldest and largest multi-breed horse competition, attracting more than 100,000 spectators, and the Pro Cycling Tour International with over 500,000 fans are also held in the Philadelphia region.

"I can think of no better partner to assist in meeting our mission than Greater Philadelphia. The entire region has continued to provide the leadership that our athletes need to pursue their Olympic and Paralympic dreams," stated USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr.

"Our region's long history of supporting Olympic sports will be a key asset in implementing the Community Partner program. This initiative is the first step of a long-term partnership between the Philadelphia region and the USOC. We are proud to be associated with the USOC and look forward to celebrating the ideals of the Olympic Movement," said Joseph M. Torsella, chairman, Greater Philadelphia USOC Community Partner Local Organizing Committee.

Click here to view the press release.

Greater Philadelphia USOC Community Partner Program:

Paralympic Academy

As part of the U.S. Olympic Committee's education and outreach component, the USOC offers the International Paralympic Academy application. Student-athletes with physical disabilities will be selected for a trip to the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.

F.L.A.M.E. (Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere)

This U.S. Olympic Committee education program is a comprehensive outreach that introduces minority student leaders to the Olympic Movement and its values through interaction with Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches, USOC sports performance specialists, and civic professionals.

National Olympic Education Program

The United States Olympic Committee has established a National Olympic Education Program with Olympic values serving as the platform for the initiative. Through a multi-year campaign, the USOC seeks to positively impact Americans by showcasing and championing the principles associated with the Olympic Movement. Olympic values include: inspiration, friendship, fair play, perseverance, mutual respect, sacrifice, hope, dreams, patriotism, unity and joy in effort.

Click here to view the press release.

Paralympic Military Program

The U.S. Paralympics and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) are working with various partner organizations across the nation to establish ongoing Paralympic sport opportunities for severely injured service members to enhance their rehabilitation, readiness and lifestyle.

The program serves as a way of bringing Paralympic sport back to its roots. Its origins can be traced back to the time after World War II, when it was used as a way of rehabilitating wounded soldiers.

During the 2006 Army/Navy Game, Philadelphia worked with the U.S. Paralympics to promote the Paralympic Military Program.

[INSERT IMAGES FROM ARMY/NAVY]

More information on the Army/Navy Game can be found at www.phillylovesarmynavy.com.