NEW YORK - The United States Olympic & Paralympic Endowment (USOPE) unveiled the honourees for its prestigious awards that will be presented at the annual ceremony hosted at the New York Athletic Club, with World Aquatics Treasurer Dale Neuburger announced as a recipient of the esteemed George M. Steinbrenner III Sport Leadership Award.
Renowned for his extensive dedication to aquatic sports and Olympic principles, Neuburger was recognised alongside retired U.S. gymnast Mary Lou Retton. The celebrated 1984 Olympic gold gymnast-turned-fitness-advocate, will receive the William E. Simon Award. Bruce Baumgartner, a decorated wrestler with numerous world and Olympic medals, will be honoured with the General Douglas MacArthur Award. Each recipient stands out for their unwavering commitment and significant contributions to the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.
The Steinbrenner award is presented annually to honour outstanding members of the Olympic and Paralympic family who have contributed to sport through management, sport organization endeavours or the enhancement of competitive opportunities; and who have displayed qualities of leadership, ethical conduct, and dedicated responsibility during a longstanding commitment to sport.
Throughout an illustrious career, Neuburger has held prominent leadership positions domestically in aquatics, serving as president of United States Aquatic Sports, president of USA Swimming, and chairman of the board of directors at the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Internationally, Neuburger has played pivotal roles in World Aquatics and fulfilled duties as a technical delegate within the International Olympic Committee for an impressive span of five Olympic Games. Notably, he contributed eight years as a member of the board of directors of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, with an additional four years as a key member of its executive committee.
"My involvement in sport has been a privilege. It's a privilege to be involved with, to be associated with, the Olympic Movement. It's a privilege to do so because we are around people that inspire us to greatness - athletes, coaches, and the administrators that are involved in the support of the Games," said Neuburger in his nomination speech.
"Being part of this inspiring movement is something that I treasure and revere. We should remember everyday how lucky we are to be involved with some of the greatest young people in the world, helping them achieve their dreams in a responsible, fantastic way. This means more to me than I can express."
"It's a privilege to be involved with, to be associated with, the Olympic Movement. It's a privilege to do so because we are around people that inspire us to greatness."
The ceremony, set to take place at the New York Athletic Club, will honour these outstanding individuals for their dedication and enduring contributions to the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
Contributing: Gregory Eggert, World Aquatics correspondent