The USOC "has not fulfilled its mandate," according to a
study by the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION.  The report reveals
inadequacies on the part of the U.S. Olympic governing body to
satisfy its responsibility to advance Olympic athletes and
amateur sports.  Joe Drape writes, "It doesn't promote Olympic
sports for the nation's youth.  It wastes resources, and it has
left Olympic teams divided by race and class."  Since '89, monies
allocated toward grass-root programs have totaled "barely" $1M.
The study suggests if present trends continue, including a
disparity of resources for athletes and collegiate cutbacks on
Olympic sports, recent international failures of U.S. Olympic
teams will continue (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 10/1).
     USOC ROLE?  Former U.S. Rep. Tom McMillen, co-Chair of the
President's Council on Physical Fitness, suggests that a closer
look at the USOC, including a GAO audit, may be in order.
McMillen:  "What we need is sports as a way to teach young people
about values and goal-setting and being healthier.  It's not
about a bunch of us filling up stadiums to watch a few athletes
while sponsors and broadcasters can make money" (ATLANTA
CONSTITUTION, 10/1).
     QUICK RESPONSE:  Drape reports this morning that USOC Exec
Dir Dick Schultz said the USOC will make as much as $10M
available to the NCAA to help schools save some Olympic programs
and establish others (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 10/3).

     After a "stern warning" from top IOC officials, ACOG Exec
Dir Billy Payne met Friday with Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell to
discuss the city's marketing contract with Munson Steed,
according to the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION.  Steed, through his B.G.
Swing Games Management Inc., intends to lease city-owned streets,
building and parks to small vendors and large corporations during
the Games, generating $2.5M for the city.  ACOG sponsors are
concerned this will invite "ambush marketing" by competitors.
Susan Langford, Dir of Atlanta's Office of Olympic Coord.: "I
don't know what it will take to calm the sponsors' fears, but we
are only trying to improve the city."  Langford added the city
does not plan to cancel the contract, but may reduce the number
of vending spaces (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 10/3).
     IBM SIGNS WITH IOC:  IBM formalized its agreement with the
IOC to serve as worldwide information technology sponsor for the
Games through 2000.  The agreement makes IBM the first Top IV
worldwide sponsor to sign with the IOC (IBM).