Courtesy: USAT

Olympic triathletes Andy Potts and Hunter Kemper have been chosen by the United States Olympic Committee to be part of a multi-year National Olympic Education Program focusing on "Sportsmanship."

Potts appears on a poster supporting the initiative, while Kemper was featured in one of two television public service announcements. The USOC Youth webpages have more on the program, including Kemper's PSA, as well as another video of Kemper talking about his start in triathlon.

To launch the year-two promotion, the USOC is coordinating appearances of Olympians and Paralympians at schools and community centers across the country, starting the week of January 22. "Real Athletes Are Good Sports" will serve as the program tagline for 2007 and the initiative is expected to reach more than 10 million Americans this year.

"The U.S. Olympic Committee is committed to helping build a young person's character through engaging and meaningful programs both on and off the field of play," said USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr. "As we prepare for what will be one of the most significant Olympic Games in history, what better theme for 2007 than one that embodies respect, ethics, camaraderie, leadership, and tolerance. Olympic and Paralympic athletes recognize and embrace the importance of sportsmanship, and we appreciate the time our athletes will take this year, and in years to come, to share this important Olympic Value."

Throughout the year, Olympians and Paralympians will speak to middle and high school students about their personal history and experiences as athletes and representatives of our nation. Each Olympian and Paralympian will be supplied a DVD with Olympic and Paralympic highlight footage, as well as stories of athletes whose actions espouse the positive aspects of sport competition.

To support the focus on sportsmanship, the USOC has also developed posters that target three distinct levels of sport participation:

* Elite Athletes - Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls
* Emerging Elite Athletes - college and junior national programs
* Grass-roots Athletes - high school and youth sports

In addition, television public service announcements have been developed featuring athletes who exemplify sportsmanship in their actions and beliefs. Athletes supporting the initiative through the public service announcements include:

* Hunter Kemper - triathlon
* Kristie Marano, Iris Smith - women's wrestling

The USOC has also added the Sportsmanship materials to its web pages devoted to Olympic education initiatives. Athletes participating in the Sportsman launch will deliver presentations across the country.

Sportsmanship becomes the second theme for the USOC as part of its multi-year program. The Olympic Value of Fair Play was the focus in 2006 and will continue to be supported through various programs in 2007 that include Red Ribbon Week in October. About USA Triathlon