USSA Celebrates Olympic Day

PARK CITY, Utah (June 23) – Today, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and clubs around the country are celebrating Olympic Day. The annual occasion is an international effort to promote fitness and well-being while introducing young people to sport. Olympic Day is organized by the International Olympic Committee worldwide and was started in 1948 as a way to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 1894. USSA athletes will be celebrating by participating in activities at training grounds around the country and engaging with fans via social media.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Olympic Day promotes the ideals of the Olympic Games, promotes fitness and well-being and provides opportunities for young people to get involved in sports.
• Each year, Olympic Day events are held in over 160 countries around the world.
• Olympic Day events will be held all over the country to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 1894.
• USSA athletes will be celebrating by participating in activities at training grounds around the country and engaging with fans via social media.

QUOTES
Nick Goepper, Slopestyle Skiing
It feels amazing to be involved in the Olympic movement. I feel as if all my hard work and dedication is paying off and it would be a great honor to represent the USA in Sochi next year.

Julia Mancuso, Alpine
The Olympics are so special to me because I grew up in Olympic valley. We had the Olympics in 1960 and the flame burns brightly as you enter the valley. It's been a part of my life since I was a little girl! 

Kikkan Randall, Cross Country
The Olympics are such a great celebration about bringing out the best in yourself. It's pretty inspiring how the Olympics brings the people of the world together, beyond war and beyond politics, to celebrate human achievement.

Andrew Weibrecht, Alpine
The Olympic movement is an opportunity to represent and compete for the USA. The honor that I felt being able to represent my town, state, and country was unparalleled in any other competition I've participated in.  The Olympics is an amazing experience for any athlete and one that is not easily taken for granted as it is the ultimate goal.

Devin Logan, Slopestyle Skiing
The Olympics are such a huge event that is wrapped around honor, pride for your country and opportunity. It's really special to have the privilege to watch my sport enter the Olympic ring and hopefully I will have the chance to be in Russia in 2014. 

Sarah Hendrickson, Ski Jumping
The Olympics are a time for the world to come together and show what you have been working so hard at for years on end. The training, challenges, injuries and struggles are just a few of the things in an everyday life as an athlete and the Olympics show just how hard it is to be at the top level. It is also a time to represent your country and take pride in where you live and train.