Olympic Newsdesk -- USOC Media Chief, Olympic Assembly; Monterrey for YOG

Sandusky Leads USOC Communications Team

Just in time for Vancouver, the U.S. Olympic Committee has filled a major senior staff position, appointing Patrick Sandusky as Chief Communications Officer.

Sandusky had been acting CCO since October 2009, joining the USOC from a similar post with Chicago's ill-fated 2016 Olympic bid.

Sandusky will report directly to CEO Scott Blackmun, who has been in his own job less than two weeks. Sandusky and his wife, who have infant twins, will relocate to Colorado Springs, Colo., from their home in Chicago.

Before joining Chicago 2016 as vice president of communications, Sandusky spent 10 years at the global public relations firm Hill & Knowlton, where he was vice president of the sports marketing practice. As part of his job, he worked on London's successful 2012 Olympic bid.

Sandusky has also worked on projects relating to Wimbledon, World Cup, Rugby World Cup, English Premiership, NASCAR and NCAA football for clients such as Gillette, Nestle, Robinsons, Allstate Insurance, Gatorade and Chelsea Football Club.

"I am excited to be able to work closely with Scott Blackmun over the coming years in this incredibly important role for the Olympic Movement in America," Sandusky said. "Over the past few months my wife and I have been warmly embraced by the Colorado Springs community and have felt at home in this welcoming and extremely livable city. I look forward to exciting days ahead."

Sandusky said he believes Colorado Springs is "a fantastic community" in which to raise his family and looks forward to building closer relationships in the community, in the Olympic Movement and with the USOC's sponsors.

Big Catch for Colorado Springs

The 2010 U.S. Olympic Assembly, an annual gathering of more than 500 members of the Olympic family in the United States, is coming to Colorado Springs for the first time - which means many of its participants won't have to leave home.

The event will be held Sept. 23-25 at the Antlers Hilton and under the theme "One Team."

The U.S. Olympic Assembly began in 2005 and has been held in La Jolla, Ca.; Phoenix, Az; Houston, Tx; Orlando, Fl.; and Chicago.

"This annual gathering is extremely important to us," said USOC Board Chairman Larry Probst.

"We want to bring true collaboration and transparency to what we are doing and where we are going as the family that is responsible for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement in the United States."

The USOC Board and the Blackmun will host a Town Hall Meeting for USOC family members, and USOC constituent councils will conduct joint sessions and share highlights of the past year and upcoming challenges.

"We want this event to help set the stage for everything we do," Blackmun said.

Monterrey for 2018 Youth Olympic Games

After Guadalajara, Mexico withdrew its bid to host the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, Monterrey is expressing interest in hosting the 2018 YOG.

Jose Antonio Hernandez Griego is leading a group that hopes to bring to YOG to a city known for its cheese.

Monterrey 2018 has a Facebook page and a logo.

The Facebook page launched on Jan. 23, which was the same day the Guadalajara withdrew from the 2014 race.

Monterrey previously expressed interest in hosting the 2014 YOG before the Mexican Olympic Committee selected Guadalajara to bid for the 2014 YOG.

Any Monterrey bid would have to receive the approval of the Mexican Olympic Committee.