Special Feature
London Olympics 2012 (July 27-August 12)
The London Olympics 2012 provide an opportunity to connect with youth audiences. America’s Olympians represent both the joy of competition and the results of hard work and determination that people from all walks of life can achieve. U.S. Olympians are a reflection of who we are as Americans – we come from all walks of life and all backgrounds; and that competing in the Olympics is the ultimate reward for the hard work and success of athletes from all over the world.
(Source: Department of State)
OFFICIAL TEXTS
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President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London (Source: The White House, June 22, 2012)
In anticipation of “Olympic Day,” a global commemoration on June 23rdofthe birth of the modern Olympic Games, President Obama today announced the Presidential Delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. First Lady Michelle Obama will lead the delegation this summer, accompanied by Olympic and Paralympic greats to attend the Opening Ceremony, meet with U.S. athletes, and encourage American children to be active in their daily lives.
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Remarks by the First Lady Announcing Olympic Commitments to Get Kids More Active (Source: The White House, May 14, 2012)
MRS. OBAMA: Thank you so much, everyone. Wow. I've never been introduced as an athlete, so that’s pretty cool. But it's a little intimidating with you guys up here. But I want to thank you, Natalie. I am thrilled to be here with all of you today. I want to, again, start by thanking Natalie for that very kind introduction. I also want to recognize Scott Blackmun, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Partnership for a Healthier America, and, of course, all of the phenomenal athletes who have taken the time to be with us here today.
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Remarks to the International Olympic Committee’s World Conference on Women and Sport (Source: U.S. Department of State, February 17, 2012)
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs Ann Stock's remarks to the International Olympic Committee meeting in Los Angeles.
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Trying for Olympics Is Worth Sacrifices, U.S. Rower Says (Source: Department of State, IIP Digital, May 17, 2012)
Washington- Steve Whelpley is near the top among elite rowers in the United States, but like many other impressive athletes around the world, he narrowly missed qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games.
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U.S. Works to Boost Sportsmanship in America (Source: Department of State, IIP Digital, May 9, 2012)
New York- Just two months after a devastating earthquake in 2010 leveled large parts of Haiti, the Haitian women's under-17 soccer team met its American opponent in regional competition.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT THE ACK
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![Book: The Games Do Count: America's Best and Brightest on the Power of Sports [Regan Books, 2004 ]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130220233513im_/http://photos.state.gov/libraries/korea/716358/July/3.jpg "Book: The Games Do Count: America's Best and Brightest on the Power of Sports [Regan Books, 2004 ]")
Book: The Games Do Count: America's Best and Brightest on the Power of Sports [Regan Books, 2004 ]
These vignettes have entertained, surprised, and inspired readers nationwide with their insight into America's most respected and well-known personalities. From competition to camaraderie, individual achievement to teamwork, failure to success, the world of sports encompasses it all and enriches our lives. The Games Do Count reveals this simple and compelling truth.
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![Book: Encyclopedia of Sports in America: A History From Foot Races to Extreme Sports [Greenwood Press, 2009]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130220233513im_/http://photos.state.gov/libraries/korea/716358/July/4.jpg "Book: Encyclopedia of Sports in America: A History From Foot Races to Extreme Sports [Greenwood Press, 2009]")
Book: Encyclopedia of Sports in America: A History From Foot Races to Extreme Sports [Greenwood Press, 2009]
Sports and leisure activities serve as a mirror, allowing us to examine the attitudes and values of everyday people. This new reference explores the development and influence of sports in American culture, as well as how sports icons, commercial enterprises, organizations, sporting events, and even fan culture have changed from decade to decade and from era to era, from the foot races of colonial times to the extreme sports of today.
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![Book: Sports Illustrated Athlete by Walter Looss [Sports Illustrated, 2008]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130220233513im_/http://photos.state.gov/libraries/korea/716358/July/5.jpg "Book: Sports Illustrated Athlete by Walter Looss [Sports Illustrated, 2008]")
Book: Sports Illustrated Athlete by Walter Looss [Sports Illustrated, 2008]
Every picture really does tell a story. Here he highlights his favorites with behind-the-scenes anecdotes. In a lyrical display, we witness a creative evolution as Iooss continually discovers new ways and approaches to capture the athletic spirit. Iooss' passion, power and perspective are clearly at play in this artful package.
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![Book: Sports Illustrated: The Football Book [Sports Illustrated, 2009]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130220233513im_/http://photos.state.gov/libraries/korea/716358/July/6.jpg "Book: Sports Illustrated: The Football Book [Sports Illustrated, 2009]")
Book: Sports Illustrated: The Football Book [Sports Illustrated, 2009]
The Football Book commemorates the dynasties and the dominating players, the crucial plays and classic games, the personalities and performances that propelled the NFL during SI+s first 50 years of publication, from a marginal, ragtag league to the biggest game in town.
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![Book :Webster's Sports Dictionary [G. & C. Merriam,1976]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130220233513im_/http://photos.state.gov/libraries/korea/716358/July/7.jpg "Book :Webster's Sports Dictionary [G. & C. Merriam,1976]")
Book :Webster's Sports Dictionary [G. & C. Merriam,1976]
Definitions and explanations of commonly used and inside terms peculiar to competitive, recreational, and spectator sports and games, team and individual are augmented by drawings and diagrams.
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Book: Baseball As America: Seeing Ourselves Through Our National Game [National Geographic, 2002
Baseball As America is the official companion volume to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's unprecedented national traveling exhibition. Features more than 200 original and archival photographs that bring the game to life on its pages. Perfect for every baseball fan, indeed every American, Baseball As America is a comprehensive panorama of the game America has grown up with.
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![Book: Soccer in a Football World: The Story of America’s Forgotten Game [Temple University Press, 2008]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130220233513im_/http://photos.state.gov/libraries/korea/716358/July/9.jpg "Book: Soccer in a Football World: The Story of America’s Forgotten Game [Temple University Press, 2008]")
Book: Soccer in a Football World: The Story of America’s Forgotten Game [Temple University Press, 2008]
David Wangerin's humorous and thorough book tells the story of American soccer's long struggle from the brief promise of the 1920's, through the euphoric highs and extravagant follies of the North American Soccer League, to today's hard-won acceptance.
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DVD: Baseball: Film by Ken Burns
Ken Burns made television history with his monumental documentary The Civil War. Now he hits a grand slam with the “nine-inning” epic that spans 150 years and chronicles all the legends: Ruth and Gehrig, Mantle and Maris, the forgotten Negro Leagues, the White Sox, the Red Sox, and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Wonderfully narrated by John Chancellor.
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DVD: Ballparks
Modern Marvels traces the development of the old ballpark from the days of sandlots and bleachers to the retro stadiums with up-to-the-minute features that are bringing fans back to the game.
VIDEO CLIPS
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56 Video Clips Related to Sports in America (Source: Department of State, IIP Digital)
IIP’s seven Sports in America Videos emphasizing American values through sports. Available in Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Persian, Chinese, and Russian.
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Sports: Michelle Kwan: Diplomatic Envoy 2’10”(Source: Department of State, IIP Digital)
American Public Diplomacy Envoy Michelle Kwan travels the world and talks to disadvantaged youth about the importance of teamwork and determination in achieving their dreams.
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Road to 2012: Steven Lopez 2’56”(Source: U.S. Embassy in London)
A U.S. tae kwon do Olympian talks about family and sports as a platform for community building.
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Road to 2012: Queen Underwood 3’06”(Source: U.S. Embassy in London)
U.S. Olympic female boxer discusses how 2012 is the first year women's boxing is an Olympic sport.
GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS
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Outline of U.S. History (Source: Department of State, IIP Digital Publication, 185 pages)
A chronological look at how the United States took shape — from its origins as an obscure set of colonies on the Atlantic coast a little more than 200 years ago into what one political analyst today calls "the first universal nation." This fully illustrated edition has been completely revised and updated by Alonzo L. Hamby, Distinguished Professor of History at Ohio University.
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eJournal USA: Sports Strengthen Communities (Source: Department of State, IIP Digital Publication, 24 pages)
In the United States, sports play a major role in community life. Players learn valuable lessons about discipline, teamwork and tolerance that help them succeed on and off the field. This issue of eJournal USA explores the integral role of sports in American society and highlights the power of sports to strengthen community bonds that transcend differences.