Birthplace of basketball has nearly century worth of Olympic ties

(BEIJING, June 10) -- As an educational institution known for its historic contributions to sport, it’s no surprise that Springfield College, in Massachusetts, U.S.A., has longstanding ties to the Olympic Games. Developed out of the YMCA Training School where James Naismith famously threw a ball into a peach basket and invented basketball, Springfield College is the only college or university to have received the Olympic Cup, awarded in 1920 by the IOC, Professor Deborah Alm told Beijing2008.cn in an exclusive interview.

“Since Springfield College’s founding in 1885, more than 130 of its students, alumni, and members of the faculty and staff, have participated in the Olympics as athletes, coaches, trainers, sports psychologists and staff, and in other roles,” said Alm, director of Springfield College International Center.

Dr. Anne Rothschadl, an associate professor in the Sport Management and Recreation Department of the college, elaborates: “Jeff Blatnik who won the Greco-wrestling Gold Medal in 1982, had suffered from cancer, and came back to make the win. In our Sport Management and Recreation Department, Professor Bob Accorsi coached the men’s cylcling team in the Paralympics in Spain and in Korea. Other faculty, students and alumni have also worked as coaches, trainers, sport psychologists, officials, and members of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), and as volunteers.”

Asked to comment on the 2008 Olympics, both professors expressed excitement and hope for the Games and the athletes.

“It is my hope that the Olympics will be able to highlight the athletes and not the challenges between nations,” said Alm, “Of course, I am proud of US athletes, but not more so than I am of all the talented men and women who work so hard to get to this special event. I’m also hopeful that the Olympics will not be tainted by illegal drug use or anything else that detracts from the ideals of sport.”

“I’m excited about the 2008 Olympics!” Rothschadl added, “China has such a rich history and such beautiful countryside. I’m looking forward to learning more about the people and places in China and Chinese athletes.”

“I wish I could be there!” she says, “I wish that distrust, dislike, and animosities can be set aside for all athletes and that the true Olympic spirit can flourish.