U.S. Olympians Association now includes Paralympians

Tweet

Last week’s 2010 U.S. Olympic Assembly generated news on several fronts.

First, the Board of Directors for the U.S. Olympians Association passed an amendment to include Paralympians as part of its organizational membership.

The move not only expands the organization’s membership, but also brings with it a name change: U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association. The change also calls for the addition of a Paralympic vice president to the association’s current six vice presidents.

The U.S. Olympic Committee board of directors also approved bylaw changes.

The revisions include the expansion of the board by four new members; the addition of the USOC’s chief executive officer to the board as an ex-officio, non-voting member; extension of board member terms; and the elimination of term limits placed upon the chairman of the board.

The board also adopted a statement in support of a “safe sports environment for athletes” that would prevent sexual and physical abuse.

On other topics, the board:

• Voted to approve USA Rugby as the official National Governing Body for the sport of rugby.
• Passed a resolution in recognition of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team: “The U.S. Olympic Committee hereby recognizes, and fondly expresses its appreciation for, the great sacrifices made by the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team on behalf of their nation.”
• Reviewed a strategic plan on international relations, and received a report on the history and activity of U.S. Paralympics.