The U.S. Olympic Committee is freshening up its fundraising program, starting a donation drive geared toward patriotism and the Fourth of July holiday.
The program, called “America Supports Team USA,” is one of the federation’s first public initiatives under new CEO Stephanie Streeter, who took the position 13 weeks ago with the charge of bringing new ideas to the USOC.
The USOC receives about 7 to 10 percent of its $150 million annual budget from individual donations, much of that from large donors. This drive is targeting smaller money, and the USOC is touting a $5 donation as one way for the average fan to feel connected to the American Olympic team.
Chief marketing officer Lisa Baird came up with the idea of cranking up the donation drive in the summer, wrapping it around the red, white and blue and capping it, appropriately enough, with the Fourth of July.
Baird acknowledged the economy makes it an awkward time to be asking people for money.
NASCAR adjusts restart format
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In a midseason attempt to add some excitement to Sprint Cup racing, NASCAR has moved to double-file restarts beginning with this weekend’s race at Pocono Raceway.
“We’ve heard the fans loud and clear,” NASCAR chairman Brian France said. “Double-file restarts, shootout-style are coming to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. This addition to the race format is good for competition and good for the fans.”
The first- and second-place drivers will line up side-by-side as the green flag drops for each restart. The former restart procedure had lap-down cars on the inside, and the lead-lap cars on the outside for the restarts.
Wade files libel, slander suit
MIAMI — The Heat’s Dwyane Wade has sued a former business partner for $100 million, claiming the man maligned his reputation by making false allegations of illegal drug and steroid use in an e-mail to Miami president Pat Riley.
Wade’s lawsuit accuses Richard von Houtman of libel and slander.
• Chris Bosh doesn’t plan to sign a contract extension with the Toronto Raptors this summer and is preparing to become a free agent at the end of next season.
Footnotes.
Francis Allen, who coached two U.S. Olympic teams and won eight NCAA men’s gymnastics championships in 40 years at Nebraska, announced his retirement, saying the Cornhuskers’ program needs new leadership.
• Santino Quaranta scored in the 36th minute and Jaime Moreno converted a stoppage-time penalty kick to help D.C. United defeat the New York Red Bulls 2-0.
• Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy has undergone right knee surgery and could be out up to nine months.
• Maria Hernandez, who helped Purdue win three Big Ten team championships, was chosen top women’s college golfer in the nation.
• Jake Heaps, a top-rated quarterback prospect from Sammamish, Wash., said he will sign with BYU in February. The Associated Press
