United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee

Dear Committee Members:
Re: Race Imboden, you wrote:
“We respect his rights to express his viewpoints, but we are disappointed that he chose not to honor his commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result.”

This young man joined to represent the USA, all of the USA citizens, as a team member in this case Fencing. He chose to disregard his team commitment for his individual grandstanding. Besides disrespecting our flag, what other activities has he participated to make constructed changes, and what are those specific changes is HE making? I will no longer support Olympics if this is the caliber of young adults who make up teams. Grandstanding-shallow, self-centered, seeking limelight.
Stand up for principles-throw him off the team! He is no team player!

I looked at the USOC financial report for the year ending 12/31/11, the latest I found. Fundraising amounted to $41,292,000. This was reduced by $4,804,000 for "Direct Donor Benefits", whatever that may be. So the net contributions were $36,488,000. The Fundraising Expense was listed as $19,191,000. This is 46.4% of the Fundraising number, or 52.5% of the Fundraising number less direct donor benefits. Even if you assume none of the $22,386,000 listed for Sales, Marketing and General Administrative actually went to fundraising in some way, seeing about half of each contributed dollar go to funraising seems excessive. There must be a better way to support the athletes instead of what seems to be fundraising for the fundraisers.

We are so proud to have the US Olympic Committee as a key player in our community in Colorado Springs. The USOC brings a positive presence to our city. It is quite inspiring to tour the Olympic training center here in town and see the nation's beloved athletes working together towards fulfilling their dreams and somehow bringing us all along for the ride. It seems unbelievable that this organization and the athletes are not funded by government and knowing that fact makes the organization that much more honorable.

As a seasoned fundraising professional I have direct knowledge of the United States Olympic Committee and how hard this organization works to raise funds to help athletes and parathletes fulfill their dreams. The USOC receives absolutely NO government funding and yet, year in and year out, this organization continues to help make each and every American proud during the Olympic Games. Go to their website (http://www.teamusa.org) and check out some of the Athlete stories. You will be amazed.

We've been regular and repeated donors to the USOC for many years but have become quite disappointed in this organization and it's decision making. We want our athletes to look good, but spending $1600/$1800 per opening/closing ceremony clothing shows an extravagant lack of a sense of responsibility:also, not even made in the US! Wasteful and not helpful to our country when they are in a position to have a positive effect.

exec comp is very high...admin expenses very high...no money from me

Mr. Shearer, I suggest, rather than lashing out at old information, you take the time to review the organization's latest data as well as the recent news stories about the reduction in salaries improved financial situations.

I think it also important to remember that this organization is responsible for helping to prep, train and organize a multitude of athletes representing their individual sports and America. That type of work can not be done in a vacuum and requires dedicated professionals who certainly can not be asked to provide their services for free.

The CEO's salary is obscene. This is a public supported organization, not some Wall Street bank.