Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is arriving in Washington DC today for the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly and Awards, joining a US delegation comprising the country’s three IOC members, Larry Probst, Anita DeFrantz and Angela Ruggiero, along with US Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun and Chairman of the LA 2024 Candidature Committee, Casey Wasserman.
Mayor Garcetti has welcomed the opportunity to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the US, but his presence in Washington DC for ANOC’s General Assembly and ANOC Awards this week is to listen and learn about the crucial role National Olympic Committees (NOCs) play in the successful staging of the Olympic Games, and in promoting the Olympic Movement worldwide.
Mayor Garcetti said: "I would like to congratulate the President of ANOC, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, and the 206 NOCs for their profound contribution to the global development of the Olympic Movement. I am honored to speak as Mayor of a passionate sports city home to people from more than 115 countries: embracing our diversity and collaborating across cultural boundaries is crucial for instilling the spirit of Olympism, sport and healthy lifestyles to our next generation.
"This is one of our first opportunities to meet Olympic leaders from around the world. LA is here to listen, learn, and understand what is important to the Olympic family, especially the athletes, as we look to serve the Olympic Movement at home and abroad, together."
USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said: "The ANOC General Assembly and Awards show that sport has the power to unite the world. The USOC is deeply honored to welcome Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah and the world’s NOCs to our country for this important event.
"The USOC is working hand in glove with the LA 2024 Candidature Committee to ensure that central to every aspect of the planning process are the needs of every NOC, whether they are looking to bring home their first ever Olympic medal or they are competing near the top of the medals table. This will be an important learning experience for all of us involved in putting together LA 2024’s Games concept."
LA 2024 Chairman Casey Wasserman said: "Having our IOC Members, our city’s Mayor and our NOC here demonstrated a real unity of purpose behind the Olympic Movement in the US. Of course all of our stakeholders are passionate about bringing the Summer Games back to the US for the first time in 28 years, but this week is all about reiterating the United States’ enthusiastic support for the NOCs’ tireless work in promoting the Olympic Movement in every corner of the world."
For more information visit LA24.org.
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