U.S. Olympic Spirit Award
This award, initiated in 1968, is given to the athletes for demonstrating the special spirit of Olympism, courage and achievement at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In 2006, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Spirit Awards were delivered by DHL.
"For nearly 40 years, at the close of every Olympic Games, the United States Olympic Committee has honored those athletes who have inspired our country through their commitment to the Olympic Ideals," said USOC Chief Executive Officer, Jim Scherr. "Through the support of DHL, we are proud to continue this important tradition, and we congratulate this year's honorees for their excellence, both on and off the field of play."
"We are thrilled to be recognizing this incredible group of athletes that have been awarded the honor of the U.S. Olympic Spirit Award. These individuals embody the Ideals of the Olympic Games which are also shared by DHL employees across the country," said Karen Jones, DHL vice president of brand, advertising and promotions. "The personal journey of every Olympian on the 2006 U.S. Olympic Team is inspiring and the award has succeeded in recognizing those most deserving as deemed appropriate by fans, teammates and the media."
The winners will be honored at a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team celebration dinner on May 16, 2006 in Washington D.C. Additionally, DHL will provide a grant of $5,000 on behalf of each of the winners to a qualified Paralympic-related non-profit organization of their choice.
Past Summer Olympic Recipients
1968 - Bob Beamon, athletics
1972 - Dave Wottle, athletics
1976 - Margaret Murdock, shooting
1980 - Tracy Caulkins, swimming
1984 - Jeff Blatnick, wrestling
1988 - Greg Louganis, diving
1992 - Gail Devers, athletics
1996 - Male: Carl Lewis, athletics; Female: Kerri Strug, gymnastics
2000 - Male: Rulon Gardner, wrestling; Female: Laura Wilkinson, diving
2004 - Male: Paul Hamm, gymnastics; Female: Kerri Walsh, Misty May, beach volleyball
Past Summer Paralympic Recipients
2000 - Male: Marlon Shirley, track & field; Female: Pamela Fernandes, cycling
2004 - Male: Dan Nicholson, cycling; Female: April Holmes, athletics
Past Winter Olympic Recipients
1968 - Billy Kidd, skiing
1972 - Mike Curran, ice hockey
1976 - Andy Mill, skiing
1980 - Tai Babilonia, Randy Gardner, figure skating
1984 - Scott Hamilton, figure skating
1988 - Dan Jansen, speedskating
1992 - Paul Wylie, figure skating
1994 - Dan Jansen, speedskating
1998 - Not awarded.
2002 - Male: Chris Klug, snowboarding; Female: Jill Bakken, Vonetta Flowers, bobsled
2006 - Individuals: Joey Cheek, speedskating; Lindsey Kildow, alpine skiing; Team: Tanith Belbin, Ben Agosto, figure skating
Past Winter Paralympic Recipients
2002 - Male: U.S. Sledge Hockey Team; Female: Sarah Will, alpine skiing;
2006 - Individuals: Andy Parr, alpine skiing; Danell Libby, curling; Team: U.S. Sledge Hockey Team
