The DC Olympic Committee

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Racewalking 101: Watch This Video

Posted by MikePanetta

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Please fill out the form below to send a message to the IOC (if you don't live in the U.S. but want to take action, click here).

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The International Olympic Committee

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Keep One Foot on the Ground and Keep Reaching for the Vote!

Join the team at our next practice. Tuesday, August 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the Smithsonian Metro entrance (Mall side). All are welcome. Don't know how to racewalk? Learn how with this instructional video. Email Mike Panetta at mike.panetta(at)gmail.com with questions.

Two years ago you helped us raise awareness for the DC Voting Rights issue by supporting our DC Olympic curling team. Well, we're back for 2008 and this time we're racewalking! You can say we're keeping one foot on the ground, as we're reaching for the vote :)

Why an Olympic team? Well, if we're going to be treated like non-citizens in our own country, then it's only fair we have the benefits as well. If we can't have representation in Congress -- then why can't have representation in Beijing? If Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can have a non-voting delegate in Congress and an Olympic team – then why can't the District of Columbia?

Why racewalking? Well, it seemed like a sport that was a perfect fit for Washingtonians. (Have you seen how fast lawyers and lobbyists can walk and use their BlackBerrys?)

If you'd like to come out, get some exercise and meet us, we're holding a "practice" Tuesday, August 5th at 6:30 on the National Mall by the Smithsonian Metro exit. Bring your walking shoes!

Oh, and please spread this to your 10,000 closest friends -- especially any who are reporters, have blogs, or just like to talk a lot. Send them a link to our web site at: http://www.DCOlympicTeam.org

Send this Letter to the IOC

 

Subject: Support an Olympic Team for the District of Columbia
Dear [Lawmaker]:

I am writing you today to urge you to support and officially authorize the efforts of the "DC Olympic Committee" to field Olympic teams for the District of Columbia (DC).

The people of DC have been denied the rights of full citizenship within their own nation. They have not been permitted to vote for members of Congress, and they have even been denied home rule and control over the affairs of their own city. In short, the people living in the District of Columbia have been treated as foreigners in their own country. Accordingly, I ask that the IOC do the same – and recognize the rights of DC citizens to form their own Olympic committee.
Sincerely,

Your name
Your street address
City, State Zip

(Note: This site is NOT connected with or officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Yeah, yeah, we know you know that since getting recognized is the whole point, right? But we still want to be 100% clear)