COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. - The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has announced that 29 minority student leaders from colleges and universities across the country have been selected to attend the USOC's Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere (F.L.A.M.E.) program presented by Tyson Foods, Inc. The F.L.A.M.E. program will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 24-27, 2010.
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, F.L.A.M.E. has provided students an in-depth look at the Olympic Movement and personal exploration of the Olympic ideals of persistence, commitment, vision, focus and determination. With the support of official presenting sponsor, Tyson Foods, Inc.,F.L.A.M.E. focuses on mentoring students so that they can apply Olympic-oriented principles to all aspects of their lives. The program also offers a pathway for talented young people to become further involved in the Olympic Movement either through the USOC's college internship program or other career and volunteer opportunities.
"F.L.A.M.E. is a key outreach program for the USOC," said Scott Blackmun, USOC Chief Executive Officer. "Through F.L.A.M.E., we are able to communicate the Olympic Spirit on a personal level with the bright minds participating in the program. Like previous F.L.A.M.E. alumni, this year's participants will go on to become elite athletes, Olympic family employees and leaders in their communities and professions."
Participants in this year's program represent 19 colleges and universities and hail from 15 states across the nation. While at the OTC, F.L.A.M.E. participants will live among athletes-in-training, residing in the dormitories and eating alongside U.S. Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls. The program itinerary includes presentations by USOC staff members and one-on-one discussions with motivational speakers such as legendary five-time Olympian Teresa Edwards (basketball, 1984, '88, '92, '96, 2000), four-time Olympian Cindy Stinger (team handball, 1984, '88, '92), two-time Olympian Derek Parra (speedskating, 1998, 2002), two-time Paralympian Ralph Green (alpine skiing, 2006, '10) and USOC CEO Scott Blackmun.
Additional activities include sport demonstrations conducted by USOC resident athletes and Olympians, such as fencers Jason Pryer and Ivan Lee (2004), a hike through the famous Garden of the Gods, a scavenger hunt on the grounds of the OTC, and a banquet at the El Pomar Foundation's Penrose House.
F.L.A.M.E. CLASS OF 2010
Name University/College Hometown
Krizia Apelar California State University - Fullerton Lakewood, Calif.
Becca Arriaga Rice University Houston, Texas
Kiara Barnes Barry University Mabelton, Ga.
Victoria Chatman Western Michigan University Taylor, Mich.
Tricia Dye University of Central Oklahoma Sentinel, Okla.
Stephen Green Elizabeth City State University Virginia Beach, Va.
Cory Harbor Missouri State University Springfield, Mo.
Ebony Harris Barry University Laurel, Md.
Marcos Hinojosa Santa Clara University San Jose, Calif.
Nixon "Andrew" Jimenez Temple University Harrisburg, Pa.
Joseph Kim Temple University Rockville, Md.
Raven King North Carolina Central University Garner, N.C.
Kirstyne Lange Mills College Oakland, Calif.
Nhu-Nguyen Le Santa Clara University Mission Viejo, Calif.
Donte Ledbetter Temple University Astoria, N.Y.
Rembo Li Barry University Miami Beach, Fla.
Calah Lynes University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Okla.
Angelica Mealing University of Central Florida Augusta, Ga.
Mike Mendolia California University of Pennsylvania Hummelstown, Pa.
Vincent Pierson Virginia State University Roanoke, Va.
Thurman Robinson Virginia State University Petersburg, Va.
Kamali Thompson Temple University Teaneck, N.J.
Mya Thompson Harvard University Ithaca, N.Y.
Bianca Warren Virginia State University Union City, Ga.
Willie Watson University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Ashlea Williams University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Ark.
Jasmine Wilson Alabama State University Austell, Ga.
Darrion Woodard Temple University Baltimore, Md.
Richard Zhu Santa Clara University Santa Clara, Calif.