LOS ANGELES, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) of the United States voiced Friday its support for Los Angeles' bid for the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Association's formal support of the bid is rooted in its core value of providing opportunities for student-athletes, said NCAA President Mark Emmert in a statement released by LA 2024.
"Many Olympians first get their start training and competing at NCAA colleges and universities, and I am thrilled to add our organization's support to this athlete-led bid for the 2024 Games.
"Our member campuses are very excited to be a part of this world-class event as well, as the Los Angeles games will utilize the many outstanding facilities of our colleges and universities in the region for training and competition. Overall, the LA Games will showcase everything that is great about American sports and college sports in particular," said Emmert in the statement.
Janet Evans, four-time Olympic champion, LA 2024 vice chair and director of athlete relations said: "LA 2024 is grateful for the NCAA's support. As a former NCAA student-athlete, I know the impact and importance of college competition to Olympic competition. The unforgettable performances by NCAA student-athletes have and will continue to inspire the next generation and unite the world in celebration."
College sports continue to provide a pathway to Olympic competition, with nearly one in 10 of Rio 2016 Olympians from 160 National Olympic Committees having trained at America's colleges and universities.
NCAA is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes. It organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and helps more than nearly half a million college student-athletes who compete annually in college sports.
LA's campus facilities would host the Olympic and Paralympic Athlete Village, provide training facilities, and serve as the aquatics, badminton, judo and wrestling competition venues.
Los Angeles and Paris are the last remaining candidates for the 2024 Olympics Games. The International Olympic Committee will elect a winner on September 13 in Lima, Peru.
