Many congratulations to USA Triathlon (USAT) staff member Charlie Paddock. At the recent US Olympic and Paralympic Assembly in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Paddock was announced as the Young Ambassador of Team USA for the inaugural 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria, which takes place on 13-22 January.
Developed by the International Olympic Committee, the Young Ambassador initiative identifies one individual to provide support and motivation to the members of the US delegation.
A native of Fountain, Colorado, Paddock, 25, is a Research Coordinator for USA Triathlon. Previously, he interned in the USOC’s international games division, where he assisted Team USA with many behind-the-scenes logistics at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Paddock also has experience coaching young people and is an avid volunteer in the Colorado Springs sports community.
“I am honoured to serve Team USA as the Young Ambassador for the Innsbruck 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games and look forward to interacting with these incredible young athletes,” said Paddock.
“The truly special thing about the Youth Olympic Games is the educational and cultural opportunities that accompany the competition and allow young athletes to get the full picture of the Olympic Movement.”
In his role as Young Ambassador, Paddock will have the responsibility of encouraging Team USA athletes to participate in the Culture and Education Program, along with supporting the Chef de Mission of Team USA. Among his duties, he will also maintain a report on the Games to be provided to the IOC and posted on TeamUSA.org; he will speak at sport organisations and schools about the cultural impact of the YOG, and will participate in youth sports forums.
Paddock was selected from a strong pool of young candidates who were all between the ages of 18-25 and employed by USOC, a US National Governing Body or a US Olympic Training Site during the application process, selection and throughout the duration of the Games.
“On behalf of the US Olympic Committee, I’d like to congratulate and thank Charlie for accepting the responsibility of Young Ambassador for Team USA,” said USOC Chief Communications Officer Patrick Sandusky.
“The IOC’s commitment to spreading Olympism to young athletes is commendable, and the USOC fully backs the Youth Olympic Games initiative and looks forward to watching some our country’s best young people compete, learn and grow in Innsbruck.”
While each athlete who participates in the Winter Youth Olympic Games will be striving to reach the medal podium, the focus of Team USA for this event is for athletes to do their best on the field of play while also fully participating in the cultural and educational activities hosted by the Organizing Committee.
Each NGB has created selection criteria that meet long-term development needs, and the competition itself will provide invaluable experience to many athletes and serve as a building block for the future international success of Team USA.
