FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2007

 Contact: Anne Warner Cribbs, 650.856.3200 (Olympian 1960)

Or Kim Carlisle, 650. 868-7245 (Olympian 1980)

Northern California Olympians Announce 2008 Grant Program

Travel and Training Grants for Future Olympians and Paralympians

Palo Alto, CA……The Northern California Olympians (NCO), a chapter of the USOC Alumni Organization, announced today the establishment of a grant program to provide direct financial assistance to athletes with successful competitive records who have the potential to qualify for future Olympic or Paralympic Teams.

In 2007, assistance for athletes with the potential to be placed on the 2008 Olympic or Paralympic Teams will be given the highest priority. Requests for assistance will be considered for coaching, specialized training, equipment, and travel.

Jim Schmitz, chair of the NCO Grant Program and Olympian (weightlifting – 1980, 88 & 92)), explains, “This is the fourth time the NCO has awarded grants – and it is always exciting to help provide funding for Olympians and Paralympians from Northern California - to be able to help future Olympians and Paralympians from our hometowns.”

Information about the grant program will be sent via email to all Olympic Sports National Governing Bodies (NGB) and to members of the Northern California Olympians.  This year, the Northern California Olympians will award ten grants of $500 - $1000 each.  The deadline for applications is June 30, 2007.   Applications will be reviewed by the Northern California Olympians’ Board of Directors and the grants will be announced on August 8, 2007 – exactly one year from the Opening Ceremonies for the 2008 Olympic Games.  Grant applications are available at www.ncolympians.org or by calling 650.856.3200.

Funds for the NCO Travel and Training Grant Program come from the proceeds of the NCO Welcome Home Dinner, held every four years, just after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, from contributions from Olympians from past teams and community members.

For more information on the grant program, www.NCOlympians.org.

The Northern California Olympians (NCO) is the organization of Olympians and Paralympians from past and present teams who live and work in Northern California. The NCO offers fellowship to past and current Olympic and Paralympic team members, coordinates appearances at youth, community and corporate events; and supports an active, visible, nationwide and worldwide Olympian organization. The NCO is a chapter of the U.S. Olympic Alumni Association.  Membership in the Northern California Olympians is open to all Olympians and Paralympians from any country. For more information, please see www.NCOlympians.org.