OATH global forums for youth - because they are "Full of Promise"

Integrity, in and through sport - OATH helps develop young leaders and continues to monitor IOC leadership

La Perouse, Australia - Today, in "Full of Promise" forums in Australia, Canada and the United States, OATH is joining together young people around the globe to demonstrate their commitment to integrity in sport and educate youth about the true spirit of the Olympic Movement.

Each forum will feature Olympians speaking about what it means to be an Olympian. Each participant will be encouraged to develop their own personal oath as an expression of their commitment to themselves, and be given ways of keeping "on track". Through the forums, OATH will share its vision for ethical sport contributing to the peaceful fulfillment of human potential.

"We are bringing together a number of the world's top athletes to lead our "Full of Promise" forums and help inspire these kids. Being your best, respecting others, and overcoming diversity are as much about the journey through life as through sport. Because youth are often fascinated by Olympians, we want to practice these values and help develop emerging leaders through education. And quite frankly, the youth of the world remind us of our own awesome responsibilities," advises Dr. Gary Wadler, OATH board member.

The flagship "Full of Promise" forum will take place at Yarra Bay House in La Perouse, Australia, immediately after the Olympic Torch Relay leaves the area at 12:30 p.m. "I like the symbolism of our event following the Torch Relay. OATH's logo features the torch, because the flame burns bright within us." reflects Dawn Fraser, Olympic Swimming Legend and OATH Board member. OATH's "Full of Promise" is the start of an ongoing commitment for partnership between New South Wales Sport and Recreation and La Perouse Aboriginal Community. In the United States, OATH is partnering with the Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) Let's Do It! program for "at-risk" children designed to provide opportunity in non-traditional sports and build self-esteem, confidence and relationship-building skills. They will hold "Full of Promise" at 6 p.m. on September 13, in New York. In Canada, "Full of Promise" will occur at Huron Public School in Toronto, Ontario on September 13, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

All three forums are being led by Olympians who are OATH board members, and joined by other athletes and dignitaries. In Sydney, joining Willie Banks, OATH board member and former Triple Jump World Record Holder, is a team of Australian Olympians including Simon Baker, Martin Roberts and Shelley Taylor Smith. Dignitaries General McCaffrey, Advisor to the White House on US drug policy; Dr. Gary Wadler, world doping expert; and the Hon. Denis Coderre, Canadian Sport Minister and VP WADA will also be in attendance. In New York, Carla Qualtrough, OATH board member and Paralympic Multiple Medallist is joined by Olympic Champion Diane Dixon, and dignitary and former pro NFL player Donald McPherson of the NSCS Board. In Toronto, Mark Tewksbury, OATH Chair and Olympic Swimming Champion, is joined at Huron school by a team from Athletes CAN.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association will be participating in all "Full of Promise" forums through the organization's Healthy Competition Foundation (www.healthycompetition.org). "We are deeply troubled by the growing use of performance-enhancing drugs" said Allan Korn, MD, FACP, BCBSA's Chief Medical Officer. "When kids start taking drugs to help them win at any cost, we all lose." Adds General McCaffrey, "we need a strong and common commitment to protect sport and young people".

OATH was launched in Lausanne, Switzerland in March 1999 as a deeply-felt need to respond to the crisis in values within the Olympics Movement. OATH provided an independent set of recommendations for reforms of the IOC and continues to be committed to monitoring the reforms of the International Olympic Committee. OATH's evaluation criteria, as explained by Dr. Barrie Houlihan; OATH Co-Chair Policy Advocacy Committee, are based on the transparency of decision-making, effectiveness of WADA, progress in achieving a more balanced athlete representation within the IOC and the sports development activity of the IOC.

OATH is comprised of an independent group of individuals with life experiences enhanced by sport and the Olympic Movement. Although OATH has no formal ties with the IOC, many of its members serve on National and International Olympic and Sport Federations.

While in Sydney, OATH is hosting a reception on September 17 at Hotel Furama at 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. to build bridges of understanding and to work with those who share our vision.

OATH's Web site - www.theoath.org - provides further information about the "Full of Promise" and additional organizational activities.