This month on my social media sites I’ve focussed on health and medical agencies of the United States government, in honor of our July 4th Independence Day celebration . In this post I want to highlight Team USA, the Olympic and Paralympic athletic organization.
Did you know Team USA is not a government organization or agency? According to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) website, Team USA is
“a federally chartered nonprofit corporation and does not receive federal financial support (other than for select Paralympic military programs). Unlike most other nations, the United States does not have a sports ministry.”
“The USOC has two primary responsibilities in its oversight of Olympic and Paralympic sport in the United States.
- to generate resources in support of its mission, which is to help American athletes achieve sustained competitive excellence.
- to ensure organizational resources are wisely and effectively used to that end.”
I toured the United States Olympic Training facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Both Olympic and Paralympic athletes train and live here.The facilities are state of the art, modern and open to the public for visits and tours.
In this post I’m sharing my tour with you.
brief history of the Olympic Games
As much as I admire the elite athletes who comprise the Olympic team, the Paralympic athletes captivate my imagination.
These athletes compete with, not despite, significant physical impairments. Many of them play and compete in physically demanding sports without full use of their arms and legs; some don’t even have all of their arms and legs.
As we walked around the complex on a guided tour, I was reminded of the importance of physical activity for our physical and mental health. Although there is a lot of conflicting advice on preventive health, all experts agree that physical activity is vital to achieving and maintaining optimal health and well being.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans call for
moderate-intensive physical activity for 150 minutes or more per week,
vigorous-intensity activity for at least 75 minutes per week, or
an equivalent combination of the 2, and
engaging in muscle strengthening activity at least twice per week.
- Medical studies show that exercise can prevent or improve many chronic health conditions and lack of exercise contributes to many diseases.
- Physical activity may reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, colon, uterus, prostate and pancreas.
- Regular exercise may help prevent diabetes and heart disease.
- Exercise relieves joint and back pain due to arthritis.
- Depression is improved with physical activity .
As we walked through the USA Shooting area I picked up a flyer titled “Winning Attitudes”, which I’m using as captions for my photos. I hope they will encourage you to develop a “winning attitude” in all areas of your life.
Enjoy this brief tour through the Olympic Complex and if you go to Colorado Springs, be sure and visit; the cost is reasonable and worth the price.
Become excited, confident, and enthusiastic about your goals.
True confidence is based on the thoroughness of preparation.
Winners have the ability to look inside themselves and find that special dream.
Winners focus on solutions, not problems.
wheelchairs adapted for playing
Winners have positive attitudes in all elements of their lives. The more you think about, talk about, and write about a thing happening, the greater the certainty of that thing happening.
on display in the Hall of Fame
Goals should identify minimum performance levels. They should never limit your performance.
a real “olympic sized” swimming pool
Real winners are champions in life, not just in sports.
Runner Tyson Gay and gymnast Mary Lou Retton in the Hall of Fame
Missing a goal means setting another goal to strive for.
multi use gymnasium
A champion constantly learns and improves.
words to train by and live by
C
Champions are willing to risk a little in the short run to gain an advantage in the long run.
Winners have the ability to look inside themselves and find that special dream.
Excellence is achieved only through constant pursuit.
passing the torch
A champion constantly learns and improves .
The athletes live, eat, and sleep here.
Real winners are champions in life, not just sports.
Don’t just achieve your goals; strive to exceed your goals.
