Athletes speak out against the atrocities in Darfur. An international coalition of athletes known as Team Darfur is committed to raising awareness about the crisis in Darfur. The organization is supported by over 200 athletes from Angola to the U.S. Team Darfur promotes a campaign that aims to educate the global public of the conflict in Darfur leading up to the 2008 Olympics.
Team Darfur was co-founded by Olympic gold medalist speed skater, Joey Cheek, and UCLA water polo player, Brad Greiner. Cheek raised over $1 million in 2006 when he announced that he would donate his bronze medal to relief in Darfur. Cheek then encouraged other athletes to do the same. At the same time, Greiner realized that if athletes wore a symbol acknowledging the Darfur conflict, people of the world would notice and support efforts to raise awareness and support relief funds for Darfur. Supporters can wear Team Darfur sweatbands and bracelets to show their concern for Dafur.
Team Darfur’s Website includes a list of athletes, a pledge to sign, and a place to purchase Team Darfur products to show support. The athletes’ coalition maintains a positive message that “calls for a celebration of the Olympic spirit, not a boycott.”
The Lane County Darfur Coalition has invited Team Darfur to attend the U.S. Olympic Trials in hopes of putting the spotlight on Darfur. These efforts will have a great impact on the success of the Lane County Darfur Coalition’s campaign, “Bring the Olympic Dream to Darfur.”
Here’s a list of a few of the U.S. Athlete’s that support Team Darfur:
Joey Cheek – US, Speedskater
Jon Rankin – US, Track and Field Athlete
Grace Taylor – US, Gymnast
Peter Cipollone – US, Rower
Nikki Stone – US, Aerial Skier
Genai Kerr – US, Water Polo Player
Maria Cruz Garcia – US, Speedskater
John Naber – US, Swimmer
Amber Stachowski – US, Water Polo Player
Nathaniel Mills – US, Speedskater
Jessica Mendoza – US, Softball Player
Jonathan Page – US, Cyclist
Jennie Finch Daigle – US, Softball Player
Allison Wagner – US, Swimmer
Kelsey Kooreman – US, Triathlete
Philip Dunn – US, Race Walker
Jarrod Shoemaker – US, Triathlete
Doug Lennox – US, Swimmer
Go to http://teamdarfur.org to join the team and sign the charter.
Photo can be found on http://www.teamdarfur.org
