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Olympic Friends and Family Program launched

Release courtesy of U.S. Olympic Committee

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – This February, winter sports fans can join the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) on a trip of a lifetime to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada. The USOC’s Olympic Friends and Family Program is a world-class hospitality program bringing fans close to the action while also helping to raise funds to support Team USA and the U.S. Olympic Movement.

“This hospitality program is a wonderful opportunity for fans to witness amazing Olympic moments, share in the celebrations and meet remarkable athletes,” said USOC Chief Development Officer Janine Alfano. “At the same time, it is a key fundraising program that helps fund athletes going to the Games and supports future Olympians to represent America on the world’s greatest athletic stage.”

There are a variety of opportunities for donors who want an unforgettable experience during the 17 days of Olympic competition running Feb. 12-28, 2010. They include:

The Vancouver Concierge Program (a minimum gift of $10,000)

Donors receive personalized recommendations for activities and services in Vancouver, invitations to private receptions with Olympians, and access to the exclusive USA House, the hospitality headquarters to the U.S. Olympic family. Accommodations, tickets and transportation are not included.

The Ultimate VIP Olympic Experience (a minimum gift of $150,000)

This six-day/five-night experience for two takes sporting fans to the best of the Olympic Winter Games and Vancouver including a luxury stay at the Four Seasons, comfortable transportation in an Olympic accredited motor coach, premier Olympic tickets to a variety of popular events (seats are classified as ‘the best’ by the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee), VIP receptions and access to the USOC’s exclusive USA House to meet Olympic athletes. VIP guests also will attend medal ceremonies and celebrations, as well as intimate dining experiences at some of British Columbia’s finest restaurants, full-time concierge service and outfitting in the hottest Olympic apparel. Airfare is not included.

(Note: Opportunities also are available to donors for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, March 12-21, 2010.)

“There is nothing like watching Olympic competition firsthand, and the USOC’s Friends and Family VIP Hospitality Program provides donors with an insider’s perspective of what it’s really like for Olympic and Paralympic athletes,” said Mari Sinton Martinez (Colorado Springs, Colo.) who, together with her husband Paul, are members of the Friends and Family Program. “We’ve participated in their VIP Programs in both Torino and Beijing, and can’t wait for Vancouver. By experiencing the Olympic Games with USOC staff and fellow contributors and by meeting members of the U.S. Team, we really felt a part of the Olympic Movement. The Games are exhilarating and will fill you with national pride. Plus, the USOC donor hospitality team takes care of every detail so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy!”

The USOC Friends and Family Program, portions of which are tax deductible, helps raise funds to support Team USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Funds also support the needs of America’s aspiring Olympians and Paralympians.

For more information on the USOC Friends and Family Program, interested participants can visit www.teamusa2010.org or contact the USOC’s Development Division at 1-800-775-8762. Similar VIP opportunities are available for London 2012 and Sochi 2014.

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The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the sole entity in the United States whose mission involves training, entering and underwriting the full expenses for the U.S. teams in the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. In addition to being the steward of the U.S. Olympic Movement, the USOC is the moving force for support of sports in the United States that are on the program of the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. Follow us on Twitter ( @USOlympic) or visit our website at www.teamusa.org.