We are Olympic City USA.
Colorado Springs has the unique opportunity to host the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, more than two dozen National Governing Bodies and Paralympic Sport organizations, and most recently, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum (USOPM). We have Olympians and their coaches, teammates and their families hiking the same trails and shopping among us at our grocery stores. Most of these athletes train from early childhood and they and their families make sacrifices for the sport that many would have trouble quantifying.
The first hurdle is the national stage. A win there means opportunity to compete at the highest of their level and represent not only their family or their state, but their country on the world stage. This honor only comes every four years and the competition is fierce.
This summer, the Olympics will be held in Paris, France. Much like the athletes, the staff at the USOPM has been feverishly preparing for this year's summer games by getting ready to host activities that let Olympic enthusiasts come together and cheer for our athletes and our country in a communal setting.
USOPM's Paris Summer Fest Celebration
It's called USOPM’s Paris Summer Fest Celebration and the festivities will begin with a big block party on Saturday, July 27, 2024 in downtown Colorado Springs. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, and the Downtown Partnership have all teamed up to make this free outdoor event possible.
The kick-off event will include an Official Torch Relay, athlete meet-and-greets, live Paris game coverage on a large outdoor screen, live music, sport demonstrations, a basketball clinic (ages 6-17) hosted by USA Basketball, as well as several other visually dynamic performances.
The rest of the summer series will include more outdoor events to watch the games live. There will be live broadcasting of the games on televisions throughout the museum as well, including at the Flame Café which boasts magnificent views in addition to great food. The Curator Collection will gear up to showcase items and special artifacts through themed programs during the summer, and there will be an Olympian or Paralympian on site every day, doing meet and greets with visitors.
Year-Round Experiences
Marisa Wigglesworth joined the executive team at the USOPM a year ago with a distinguished background in the museum and attraction industry. She grew up with parents who were educators and valued experiences over things for Wigglesworth. To this day, she notes that being in a museum feels like home. As CEO at the USOPM, her goal is to increase programming opportunities for museum-goers but also specifically for residents and families who call Colorado Springs home. As they build out these programs and exhibits, they will be updating the online schedules to reflect the new offerings. Wigglesworth indicates that this will also help the USOPM take its rightful place on the national stage and give the Olympians and Paralympians the honor they deserve.
If ever there was a time to be a museum member, this is it. Members enjoy year-round access to the facility, which would ensure access to each of these unique events over the summer at no additional cost. Visit usopm.org to become a member and stay up-to-date on all of the Summer Olympic programming that will be unveiled this season.
Website: https://usopm.org/
Facebook + Instagram: @USOPMuseum