U.S. Olympic Committee Community Partner Program
Philadelphia is one of only five USOC Community Partner cities.
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.
