F.L.A.M.E.
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and its family of dedicated Olympic sponsors have empowered minority students with the F.L.A.M.E. (Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere) program, a dynamic, educational program packed with leadership enhancement opportunities.
With the support of official presenting sponsor, Tyson Foods, Inc., and associate sponsor Hilton Hotels Corporation, F.L.A.M.E. is designed to inspire minority college students to cultivate their desire to succeed and rise above the ordinary. The young men and women selected to participate, who already demonstrate a pursuit of excellence within their own communities, have the opportunity to further their personal and professional growth through unique seminars and workshops led by Olympic and Paralympic athletes, USOC and National Governing Body (NGB) leaders and others who have achieved personal, professional or athletic success in life.
During the four-day program, F.L.A.M.E. participants reside in the Olympic Training Center dormitory, eat at the Athlete Dining Hall, and have opportunities to interact with Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls daily. The program's itinerary includes motivational presentations by Olympians and Paralympians, leadership seminars conducted by USOC and NGB staff leaders, networking and financial literacy workshops, Olympic/Paralympic sport demonstrations, field trips to local attractions, and information on the USOC College Internship Program.
Previous speakers at the F.L.A.M.E. program have included Olympians and Paralympians such as the legendary 10,000 meter gold medalist Billy Mills (1960); silver and gold medalist in speedskating Derek Parra (1998, '02); and Paralympic track & field bronze medalist April Holmes (2004) to name a few. Presenters for the 2009 session will be announced in the coming weeks.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants should be minority undergraduate or graduate students (ages 18-24) who have demonstrated leadership through academics, athletics and community involvement. Special consideration will be given to applicants pursuing a degree in the field of sport management. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum college grade point average (GPA) of 2.75. The application deadline is June 12, 2009, and selection announcements will be made no later than June 19, 2009.
CLICK HERE for the 2009 Flame Application materials or call USOC Associate Director of Community Relations, Erica Hutchinson at 719-866-4604.
