U.S. Olympic Committee Celebrates 23rd Anniversary Of FLAME Program

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympic Committee today announced the 29 student leaders from colleges and universities across the country who were selected to participate in the 23rd annual FLAME (Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere) Program. The 2016 program will be held June 5-12 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

FLAME is designed to inspire undergraduate and graduate students of color to pursue careers within the Olympic and Paralympic movements. Selected participants have demonstrated a pursuit of excellence within their own communities and will have the opportunity to further their personal and professional growth by connecting with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes, USOC and National Governing Body leaders, and others who have achieved success in the sports industry.

The program provides students with an in-depth look at the Olympic and Paralympic movements, and personal exploration of the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. The program also offers a pathway for talented youth to become further involved in the Olympic and Paralympic movements, either through the USOC’s internship program, or other sports-related career and volunteer opportunities.

Participants in this year’s program represent 16 states from across the nation. During the eight-day program, FLAME participants will reside at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and spend time with U.S. Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls. The program will include professional development workshops, leadership seminars and networking sessions.

The 2016 speaker program is highlighted by several U.S. Olympians and Paralympians, including Olympian Ivan Lee (fencing, 2004); two-time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor (bobsled, 2010, 2014); Olympic hopeful Jason Pryor (fencing, 2016); and Paralympian Jermell Pennie (wheelchair basketball, 2004). Additional speakers include Paula Boggs, former executive vice president and general counsel of Starbucks; Ndidi Massay, executive director of Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality; Sandy Cross, senior director of diversity and inclusion for PGA of America; Wade Davis, former NFL player and executive director of the You Can Play Project; and several leaders from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic family.

The program will also feature Vivek Ranadivé, founder and former CEO of TIBCO and majority owner of the Sacramento Kings, as the USOC’s FLAME Invited Speaker, supported by Drs. Tej and Simran Singh.

Additional activities will include Olympic and Paralympic sport demonstrations, a golf workshop organized by the PGA of America and a hike through Garden of the Gods.

FLAME Class of 2016