(San Francisco, CA, May 27, 1999) The United States Olympic Committee has released the fifth in a series of educational materials designed for middle and high school students and teachers that focuses on Olympic ideals. "Reach for the Rings: Focus on Respect" profiles some of the greatest athletes in history, highlighting the Olympic ideals of self-respect, respect for others and good citizenship through sports.

The educational materials are part of an outreach program of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and are offered in partnership with Newspaper in Education (NIE) programs in communities throughout the country.

Students will enjoy learning about the personal hurdles and hardships overcome by some of the finest American Olympians including Jesse Owens, Wilma Rulolph, Pablo Morales, Michelle Kwan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Dan Jansen and many others.

The educational materials in the "Focus on Respect" series include a 16-page newspaper-style Student Supplement, a comprehensive Teacher’s Activity Guide for use with the Student Supplement, and a video for classroom use, which features clips of Olympians sharing their experiences and concerns regarding respect and fair play.

"We think students will enjoy learning that they have a lot in common — probably more than they imagine — with some great champions who had to overcome hardships such as prejudice, illness or disabilities before they reached the victory stand," said Sheila Walker, USOC’s Senior Director of Sport Development. "Students will easily be able to relate to these personal, human stories about self-respect and respect for others as told against the exciting historical backdrop of the Olympic Games."

Subjects covered in the Student Supplement include a history of the Olympic Games, which began in Greece in 776 B.C.; to the modern Olympic Games, which began in 1896; to today’s competitions, now considered the greatest sports event in the world. Also featured are inspiring and engaging chapters on teamwork, good sportsmanship, the value of character, seeing failure as a stepping stone, overcoming adversity, women in the Olympic Games and a discussion of discipline of the mind and body. Each section of the Student Supplement offers discussion topics and activities that can be undertaken as individual or class projects.

The Teacher’s Activity Guide offers insights into how to help students gain new skills and a better understanding of the Olympic Games as well as the importance of fair play in sports and in life.

In the video, students will be introduced to stories of Olympians John Naber, Cammy Myler, Scott Shipley, Lucinda Adams, Lance Armstrong, Jesse Owens and many others. The video highlights dramatic competitions and character lessons that exemplify the Olympic Creed. As the founder of the modern Olympic Games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, said, "The most important thing is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

"Focus on Respect" can be used by educators in conjunction with the upcoming Olympic Games in 2000. In addition, the series can be used independently of the Olympic Games by linking the materials to a school’s athletic programs, civics classes or other curriculum areas."Focus on Respect" is available to newspaper publishers on a per-item fee basis. Student Supplement costs $150, Teacher’s Activity Guide $75, video $15, or all three are available for $215.

Use The News is one of the nation’s fastest-growing educational services companies. It publishes a variety of distinguished educational resources for middle and secondary school curriculums, most recently, "Here Comes the Millennium." Other notable publications include "Newspapers and the ’Net," in which students compare the news reporting of their local papers with on-line coverage, and "Welcome to the Newspaper," which introduces students to the essential aspects of producing a newspaper.

To order materials or to receive further information on how to use the USOC materials, contact Dr. Betty L. Sullivan, Use The News, at (415) 861-1637.