Friday marks the first anniversary of the Dallas 2012
bid committee's official launch, and the committee's
"progress toward its goal ... is undeniable," according to
Cathy Harasta of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. The bid "has
gained momentum as the committee recorded some key
victories, such as the Olympic trials, in the year since
Dallas took the torch from Arlington, which started the
effort in 1997." But "big decisions and potential
controversies loom for the campaign in its sophomore year,"
including which facilities could hold events. Dallas 2012
Chair Tom Luce: "The emphasis in Year Two is on completing
the bid package, building regional support for it and
implementing the events we've won." But Harasta writes that
Luce has "not found his Olympic goal universally embraced,"
as some leaders wonder how the Games will be funded. Luce:
"It draws a lot of public scrutiny, as it should. That
scrutiny is helpful" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/30).
PAY FOR PLAY? In Atlanta, Patti Bond reports that USOC
and Canadian Olympic team sponsor Home Depot has "hired 71
sprinters, boxers, kayakers and other athletes as part of an
Olympic job program." The company "pays the athletes full-
time wages and benefits, but they work an average of 20
hours a week." The athletes also can buy stock in the
company. Home Depot spent "more than" $1M a year to
subsidize salaries and benefits for athletes in the '96
Games. USOC Manager of Athlete Services Keith Bryant said
that "more than 40 other companies employ athletes through
typical part-time arrangements" (ATL. CONSTITUTION, 9/30).
