USOPA
Once an Olympian or Paralympian, Always an Olympian or Paralympian. Never Former, Never Past®
Our Purpose#
Mission
Engage alumni and inspire all communities through the ideals of the Olympic & Paralympic Movements.
Vision
All United States Olympians & Paralympians experience a lifelong connection to the Movements.
Our Values#
Inspiration
"Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It's our goal in life to find it and keep it lit."
- Mary Lou Retton, U.S. Gymnastics Olympian
Service
"Determination, it applies to all of us and when you tap into that, you're able to fly as far as you can go."
- Lex Gillette, U.S. Track & Field Paralympian
Community
"You show up at the Olympics, and you're no longer you; You're an american Olympian. You're part of this greater whole, and the individual doesn't matter."
- Shaun White, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Olympian
Our Priorities#
Engage
Chapters
- Increase alumni engagement by prioritizing volunteer opportunities
Tools
- Accurate data collection & thoughtful distribution
Connection
- Build Community
Serve
Community
- Build connectivity to Team USA
Mentorship
- Utilize USOPA skills & experiences to help Team USA
USOPA Operating Documents#
Benefits & Resources#
Aligned with their efforts, the WOA helps over 100 National Olympians Associations (NOAs) from across all five continents in spreading the spirit of Olympism in their country via the World Olympians Association Grants Program, which annually distributes funding under the following categories:
- The NOA Development Grant, which gives financial aid to the Associations so they can run their programs. The NOA Grant Fund helps pay for longer-term projects that benefit their local communities.
- The Service to Society Grant, which offers NOAs the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 to help drive sustainable, Olympian-led community projects and initiatives. All Service to Society Grant applications should be submitted to usopa.mailbox@usopc.org.
- The Service to Olympians Grant, which supports the ongoing development of Olympians, such as skill building and education workshops for Olympians (media training, resume/CV building, etc), reunion activities to celebrate Games anniversaries, or creation of digital platforms to engage NOA members. All Service to Olympians Grant applications should be submitted to usopa.mailbox@usopc.org.
To learn more about the WOA, visit https://olympians.org/.
- Year-round unlimited individual admission
- Discounts at The Museum Shop
- Exclusive, members-only hours and expedited entry
- Discounted tickets for your family and guests ($17.95-adults, $12.95-ages 3-12)
To plan your visit, please reach out to athletes@usopm.org. They will help you arrange your ticket reservation and will give you instructions on parking. You can also call 719-497-1234, ext. 12334. The ideal advance notice is 7-10 days; however, any advance notice is appreciated to plan for a great experience.
Current Leadership#
Jackie Washington
President
- Track & Field | 1984
Michelle Finn-Burrell
4-Year Term
- Track & Field | 1992
Sharon Jewel
4-Year Term
- Taekwondo | 1988
Billy Lister
4-Year Term
- Para Cycling | 2016
Rory Cooper
2-Year Term
- Para Track & Field | 1988
John McArdle
2-Year Term
- Track & Field | 1980
Bill Schuffenhauer
2-Year Term
- Bobsled | 2002, '06, '10
Jesse Smith
2-Year Term
- Water Polo | 2004, '08, '12, '16, '20
Past Presidents#
Caryn Davies
Immediate Past President
- Rowing | 2004, '08, '12
Dick Fosbury
- Track and Field | 1968
Gary Hall Sr.
- Swimming | 1968, 1972, 1976
Willie Banks
- Track and Field | 1980, 1984, 1988
John Naber
- Swimming | 1976
William “Bill” Toomey
- Track and Field | 1968