The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has formally changed its name to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
The USOPC board of directors unanimously approved the change in its quarterly meeting and is to celebrate all athletes at the elite level of sport.
“This is a proud day for Paralympic and Olympic sport in the United States and a change that is representative of our organisation’s commitment to inclusivity,” stated USOPC chair Susanne Lyons.
“While the name is new, our dedication to Paralympics is an established value – evidenced by the number of Paralympic athletes who receive support and by the strength of the U.S. Paralympic Team. The world-class Paralympic athletes, and staff who support them, deserve this recognition as outstanding representatives of Team USA.”
Effective immediately, the USOPC has updated its accounts on social and digital platforms with physical changes to signage at training centres, sites and its headquarters in Colorado to be adapted with a goal of completion in 2020.
Furthermore, the US Olympic Hall of Fame will be renamed the US Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame.
“This change is about more than an organizational name. To me this means that Paralympic athletes are fully included, embraced and celebrated by the USOPC,” said four-time Paralympian Oksana Masters.
“I have personally felt the growing support for Paralympic athletes and the Paralympic Movement by this organisation. I am so proud to represent the U.S. in competition and this allows me to take similar pride as a member of Team USA.”
We are proud to announce the United States Olympic Committee has formally changed its name to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee — a change that celebrates the athletes of Team USA and the Paralympic Movement in the United States. https://t.co/NwZUFGftpY pic.twitter.com/Mdbnct1S3s
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) June 20, 2019
Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee described the renaming as a “historic moment.”
He added: “To see the USOPC make this inclusive statement by changing its name demonstrates the true parallel nature of the Olympic and Paralympic movements. This change lays a strong foundation to transform the Paralympic Movement as we look toward the Los Angeles Games in 2028 and beyond.”
USOPC is one of only four organisations in the world to oversee both Olympic and Paralympic sport at the national level and lays claim to being the first to include the distinction in its official name and marks.
“The decision to change the organisation’s name represents a continuation of our long-standing commitment to create an inclusive environment for Team USA athletes,” explained USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland.
“Paralympic athletes are integral to the makeup of Team USA, and our mission to inspire current and future generations of Americans. The new name represents a renewed commitment to that mission and the ideals that we seek to advance, both here at home and throughout the worldwide Olympic and Paralympic movements.”
