The United States Olympic Committee today announced a new awards program – the Team USA Awards presented by Dow – to recognize the outstanding achievements of Team USA athletes year-round. The program is designed to shine a light on the inspiring performances of American athletes by generating awareness and fan engagement across all Team USA digital and social channels, including a new online voting platform at TeamUSA.org/Awards.
In addition to presenting sponsor Dow, four more USOC partners – DICK’S Sporting Goods, Kellogg’s, Samsung and USG – have signed on as associate sponsors in support of the new awards program.
“We are delighted to launch the Team USA Awards program, which is all about connecting Americans to our talented athletes as we celebrate their remarkable achievements, and the spirit of Olympic and Paralympic sport,” said Lisa Baird, USOC chief marketing officer. “The U.S. Olympic Committee and our generous sponsors are actively engaging the American public in more ways than ever before, while generating important support for Team USA.”
“As the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Movement since 2010, Dow is committed to enabling higher-performing and more sustainable Games,” said Louis A. Vega, chief of staff and vice president of Dow Olympic and Sports Solutions. “Through our science and technology, we contribute to events that inspire people around the world to strive for greatness and international cooperation. In a similar way, Team USA athletes embody what is best about the human experience – passion and human endeavor in the pursuit of a goal. Dow is proud to partner with the USOC as the presenting partner of the Team USA Awards and we look forward to recognizing the commitment and dedication of these remarkable athletes.”
Previously known as the USOC’s Athlete and Team of the Month awards, the monthly program will recognize winners in male, female and team categories as determined by a poll of National Governing Body representatives and online fan vote.
The top-five monthly finalists in the individual categories and top three in the team category will be considered for annual Team USA Awards in non-Games years. For years in which the Olympic and Paralympic Games are held, U.S. athletes and teams will be recognized for Games-specific honors at a Team USA Awards ceremony to be held in conjunction with the commemorative White House visit following the Games. More information on the annual awards will be forthcoming.
The monthly program, which kicked off with the Best of March honors, will recognize the top individual and team performances from April on Friday, May 8.
Swimming News / Olympic News is courtesy of the USOC. Featured image: Michael Phelps
