(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 19, 2007) The 2007 U.S. Olympic Assembly concludes Sunday in Houston, Texas, after five days of meetings and panels involving more than 300 members of the U.S. Olympic Family. At Saturday’s luncheon, Former President George H. W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush were welcomed as special guests, and U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Chairman of the Board Peter Ueberroth named President Bush the Honorary Chef de Mission of the 2008 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams for the 2008 Games in Beijing, China. This is the first time the USOC has bestowed the title of Honorary Chef de Mission upon an individual.
President Bush and Ueberroth then participated in a signing ceremony, during which the USOC officially accepted the invitation for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams to compete in the 2008 Games.
Friday was highlighted by the USOC Board of Directors meeting. Primary topics for the USOC Board were:
• The 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, and the USOC’s preparations from logistical and competitive standpoints
• USOC international relations efforts, including the Chicago 2016 bid and the AIBA World Boxing Championships
• The ongoing analysis of the USOC Olympic Training Center needs, NGB headquarter needs and USOC headquarter needs
• The fight against doping in sport
Saturday’s keynote address: “Amazing Awaits: Shaping the Future of America’s Olympic Movement,” was delivered by USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr, USOC Chief Operating Officer Norman Bellingham and Chicago 2016 Chief Executive Officer Pat Ryan. Other panel discussions included: “The Strength of the Olympic Brand: What Makes Us Different, Makes Us Strong” and “The Fight Against Doping in Sport: The New Frontier.”
The Athletes Advisory Council and the U.S. Olympians Association took strong roles in USOC community outreach while in Houston, visiting four local schools as part of the USOC Champions in Life program and McDonald’s Passport to Play program. In addition, Olympians, Paralympians and elite athletes visited a Ronald McDonald House in Houston, honoring everyday heroes – the seriously ill children receiving treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Other guest speakers at Saturday’s luncheon were Olympic wrestler Brad Vering, World track cycling champion Sarah Hammer and Paralympic track & field hopeful Scott Winkler. The three athletes shared their inspirational stories with the full assembly during a question and answer session, and visited with President and Mrs. Bush at the head table.
President Bush has long been a supporter of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. He spoke to America’s athletes in Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games as the head of the official White House Delegation. He welcomed the 1992 Olympic and Paralympic Teams to the White House during his presidency. He has strong ties to China, the host of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Early in his public service career, President Bush served as chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China from 1974-1976.
This third annual U.S. Olympic Assembly brought together the various members of the USOC and organizations associated with the U.S. Olympic Movement in an effort to foster communication, collaboration and the development of new initiatives to support America’s athletes.
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