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The U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Wrestling will stage its third NJ Night of Champions October 20th 2007 at the Ballroom of the Hilton Short Hills in Short Hills NJ. The USOC, in collaboration with USA Wrestling and a strong local organizing committee have developed the “Night of Champions” events to support American youth who dream of becoming the next generation of Olympic heroes. We are pleased to have the following friends providing leadership for our event! 2007 Honorary Chairman 2007 Honorary Co-Chairman 2007 Honorary Co-Chairman
A highlight of the evening is celebrating the Olympic relationship between the USA and China. Recently, USOC Chairman Peter Ueberroth reminisced about the day when Chinese Organizing Committee called him to say they would refuse to join the Soviet Union Olympic Games Boycott and to say they would attend the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. With the 1984 Games and perhaps the Olympic movement hanging in the balance, it was a defining moment. Now, more than twenty years later, China will host the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, which is poised to be the most spectacular athletic event this century. The 1984 Chinese counter-part to Peter Ueberroth will be honored for his role in China’s historic decision to attend the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. USA Wrestling will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Bill Farrell. Perhaps no other person has had a more positive effect on the Olympic sport of Wrestling than Bill Farrell. His management skills combined with his knowledge of the sport brought the United States to a level unsurpassed in the preceding fifty years. Despite coaching the 1972 Olympic Freestyle Team to three golds, two silvers and one bronze medal, Farrell’s greatest influence may have been behind the scenes. Farrell took unpopular positions that eventually resulted in fairness for his athletes who had faced discrimination that is almost unheard of today. In addition, amazingly, he was able to out-maneuver the powerful “iron curtain” deal making, ensuring American athletes could compete on a level playing field in many international competitions. In keeping with the 1984 Theme, the 1984 Olympic Wrestling Teams will be honored. Also, the team members from the 1972 Olympic Freestyle Team that was coached by Farrell have been invited to witness the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation.
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