Olympics: NCAA College sports gets behind the LA 2024 bid
LAURA WALDEN (USA) / Sports Features Communications
(SFC) The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
announced its support for the Los Angeles 2024 bid for the summer Olympics and
Paralympics. College sports are the grassroots for Olympic teams with nearly 1
in 10 of the Rio 2016 athletes getting training at colleges and universities in
the USA.
Los Angeles and Paris are in the race for the 2024 Games and
the IOC is set to meet next week about the possible awarding of the 2028 Games
as well.
Consequently with UCLA and USC chosen as hosts for the
Olympic Village and Olympic media, they will also provide training facilities,
and serve as the aquatics, badminton, judo and wrestling competition venues.
NCAA President Mark Emmert noted that the Association's
formal support of the bid is rooted in its core value of providing opportunities
for student-athletes.
Emmert added, "Many Olympians first get their start training
and competing at NCAA colleges and universities, and I am thrilled to add our
organization's support to this athlete-led bid for the 2024 Games. Our member
campuses are very excited to be a part of this world-class event as well, as
the Los Angeles games will utilize the many outstanding facilities of our
colleges and universities in the region for training and competition.
"Overall, the LA Games will showcase everything that is
great about American sports and college sports in particular."
LA 2024's focus is on athletes and giving Olympians and Paralympians
a great Games experience has been idealized by engaging more than 500 athletes
at town hall forums across the nation in order to get their perspective.
"LA 2024 is grateful for the NCAA's support," said Janet
Evans, four-time Olympic champion, LA 2024 Vice Chair and Director of Athlete
Relations. "As a former NCAA student-athlete, I know the impact and importance
of college competition to Olympic competition. The unforgettable performances
by NCAA student-athletes have and will continue to inspire the next generation
and unite the world in celebration.
"As an athlete-led bid, we're committed to placing athletes
at the center of all of our activities and college athletics are crucial to
that effort. LA's universities will provide an unparalleled Athlete Village
experience and state-of-the-art competition venues. With no new permanent
venues to build, LA 2024 is able to focus on meeting and exceeding athletes'
needs and providing a spectacular Games experience for everyone."
**LAURA WALDEN has over twenty-six years of experience
in the Olympic Movement, formerly at the European Olympic Committees with
SportEurope under former IOC President Dr. Jacques Rogge and IOC Member Mario
Pescante. She worked with the Rome 2004 and Turin 2006 Olympic bids and also
managed PR & media for Dr. Jacques Rogge during his campaign for the
presidency.
For more information contact:
Laura Walden ()
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