Scott Blackmun Says USOC Making "Ton Of Progress" In Vancouver

Blackmun Says USOC Waiting On IOC For U.S. Olympic Network

USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said the organization is "making a ton of progress" with IOC officials at the Vancouver Games, according to Ed Hula of AROUND THE RINGS. Blackmun said, "We are spending time with them and in most cases it is the first time we are spending time with them. ... It is a relationship business. And until they get to know us and trust us we are not really going to make any progress. The first order of business is just to spend time with them so that they can get to know us and form their own judgments about us." He noted USOC members have spent "quite a bit of time doing informal breakfasts, meetings with various NOCs, the reception that we had with 41 IOC members." Blackmun noted one of the "consistent themes" in feedback from IOC officials is that USOC execs "need just to be present more often -- come to our meetings and events be seen, participate -- it is really just blocking and tackling." He also confirmed the USOC's plans for an Olympic TV network are "on hold until the IOC tells us that they are interested in having us pursue it." Meanwhile, Blackmun addressed the USOC's ongoing effort to tackle ambush marketing, specifically from non-Olympic sponsor Subway. He said, "I hate to give it more press than it has already gotten. The whole thing frankly disgusts me. It is a necessary evil in our world. I am disappointed it happens." He added it is a "little bit outside our control." Blackmun: "Sponsors have been great with working with us. The more press we give it, the happier the ambushers are. I would rather not say much more than that" (AROUNDTHERINGS.com, 2/23).