COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. Olympic Committee announced today that BP, the global energy firm, has been named the presenting partner of the Jack Kelly Fair Play Award. The award was established by the USOC in 1985 to honor the late USOC President and Olympic medalist Jack Kelly. Each year, the award is presented to an athlete, coach or official in recognition of an outstanding act of fair play and sportsmanship.
BP signed on as the official USOC energy partner on Feb. 15, 2010, supporting the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams.
"The significance of BP's support of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movements goes beyond their generous sponsorship," USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said. "BP is committed to making a lasting impact through its support of a variety of USOC programs, including the Warrior Games presented by Deloitte, the reduction of the USOC's carbon emissions, and now, the Jack Kelly Fair Play Award."
The Jack Kelly Fair Play Award is presented each year at a reception held at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Assembly, which is an annual meeting of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic family. Notable past recipients of the award include Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Lance Armstrong, Michele Akers, Laura Kraut and Erin Mirabella. The 2011 award will be presented at the Antlers Hilton Hotel in Colorado Springs on Friday, Sept. 23.
"This award recognizes athletes and individuals who may be in a difficult position, but regardless of the consequences, step up and take action to do the right thing," said Luc Bardin, BP chief marketing officer. "It's a testament to the honesty, integrity and courage of these athletes, three fantastic values which we hold deeply. It makes us particularly proud to partner with this very special award."
In addition to being a past president of the USOC, Kelly was an Olympic bronze medalist in single scull rowing in 1956 and an eight-time U.S. national champion. He was awarded the James E. Sullivan Award for the top amateur U.S. athlete in 1947. He was the son of another famous Olympian, rowing triple gold medalist John B. Kelly, as well as brother to Princess Grace Kelly. Jack Kelly passed away in 1985.
The USOC describes fair play as an individual or team dedicated to playing fair, obeying the rules and upholding the spirit of the game. Sportsmanship is an individual or team whose conduct and attitude demonstrate gracious behavior before, during and after competition.
About BP
BP is one of the world's largest energy companies. In the US, BP has about $52 billion in assets and employs about 23,000 staff. The company's main businesses are exploration and production of oil and gas; refining, manufacturing and marketing of oil products and petrochemicals; transportation and marketing of natural gas; and a growing business in renewable and low-carbon power and next generation energy technologies.
BP is also a Tier One partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and a partner of the British Olympic and Paralympic Associations.
About the USOC
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the sole entity in the United States whose mission involves training, entering and underwriting the full expenses for the U.S. teams in the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. In addition to being the steward of the U.S. Olympic Movement, the USOC is the moving force for support of sports in the United States that are on the program of the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games.
For more information, please contact USOC Communications at (719) 866-4529 or visit www.TeamUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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