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WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama
announced the formation of the White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic
and Youth Sport.
This permanent White House office will promote the values of the Olympic
Movement and encourage increased youth participation in athletics.
The primary function of the Office will be to enhance awareness of the
Olympic Movement through promotion of its fundamental principles at the
federal level.
President Obama said, "It is an important goal of
my administration to give our nation’s children every possible tool
they need to grow, learn and succeed in life. A key part of this
is increasing access to healthy, constructive activities like sports for
our nation’s children. Too many American kids – particularly
those in urban areas – have no access to organized sporting
activities. Sports are an important way to instill values, judgment and
teamwork in our nation’s kids, and this new office reflects our
commitment to giving all our children a chance to thrive. As the
International Olympic Committee moves forward with their selection
process we hope that this new office can serve as a model for youth
involvement worldwide."
The White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport
will:
- Recommend
federal policies and programs to the President to enhance
opportunities and access for youth participation in sport, with
particular focus on youth in urban areas
- Foster
and encourage youth sporting, educational and cultural events
involving Olympic values-based programs and the participation of
U.S. Olympians and Paralympians
The Office will also work in coordination with appropriate
executive departments and agencies, including the Departments of
Education and Health and Human Services, to:
- Engage
in outreach to state and local government officials, nonprofit
organizations and the private sector
- Coordinate
federal resources, and act as liaison to, any organizing committee
for an Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted in the United States
- And
work closely with the United States Olympic Committee and national
sport governing bodies to increase access and opportunities for
youth to participate in sports.
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