FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2011

U.S. Olympic Committee selects Steve Mesler to attend International Olympic Academy International Session for Olympic Medalists

Event to be held in Athens and Olympia, Greece, June 21-27, 2011

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has selected Steve Mesler (Buffalo, N.Y.), 2010 Olympic bobsled champion, to attend the International Olympic Academy (IOA) International Session for Olympic Medalists, June 21-27, 2011, in Athens and Olympia, Greece. Mesler will be joined by 49 Olympic medalists from around the world at this third international session, which is centered on Olympism and will focus on communications methods of Olympic values by Olympian role models.

“I’m extremely honored to have been selected by the USOC for the opportunity to join fellow Olympic medalists at the International Olympic Academy,” said Mesler. “I have a great deal of passion for Olympic education and the development of initiatives that spread the Olympic Ideals, especially to young people.”

Mesler was chosen by a selection committee comprised of representatives from the U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association (USOPA), Athletes Advisory Council (AAC), USOC International Relations division and past attendees of the IOA for his dedication to sport, youth and particularly the platform he has created to spread the Olympic Ideals – Classroom Champions.

Classroom Champions is a non-profit organization that connects currently competing U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes with students to teach them how to embody the Olympic Ideals. Through the program, students are virtually connected on a monthly basis to athletes as they train and compete around the world.

“We were pleased to have such a large pool of qualified U.S. applicants for this program, which illustrates the character and compassion of our athletes,” said USOC Chief Communications Officer Patrick Sandusky. “But, the passion and dedication behind Steve’s Classroom Champions initiative, as well as his drive to live and spread the Olympic Ideals, is truly inspiring. The U.S. Olympic family is proud of all of our Olympians and Paralympians for their efforts to give back to the community and spread the Olympic values of friendship, fair play and respect.”

Other U.S. Olympians who have attended the IOA International Session for Olympic Medalists include 1972 Olympic gold medalist in diving Micki King (2009) and seven-time Olympic medalist in gymnastics Shannon Miller (2007).

The mission of the IOA is to function as an International Academic Centre for Olympic studies, education and research; act as an international forum for free expression and exchange of ideas among the Olympic Family, intellectuals, scientists, athletes, sport administrators, educators, artists and the youth of the world; bring together people from all over the world, in a spirit of friendship and cooperation; motivate people to use the experiences and knowledge gained in the IOA productively, in promoting the Olympic Ideals in their respective countries; serve and promote the Ideals and principles of the Olympic Movement; cooperate with and assist the National Olympic Academies and any other institutions devoted to Olympic education; and further explore and enhance the contribution of Olympism to humanity.

To learn more about Classroom Champions, e-mail info@classroomchampions.org.

For more information, please contact the USOC Communications Division at (719) 866-4529 or visit www.teamusa.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .