U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation announces 2024 Team USA Community Champions in partnership with Comcast

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation today announced the newest class of Team USA Community Champions in partnership with Comcast. Award recipients include Connie Carpenter Phinney (Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s), Alysia Montaño (&Mother), Tara Peterson (Hope Dental Clinic) and Rico Roman (Bridge City Inclusive Sports).  

Team USA Community Champions in partnership with Comcast celebrates Team USA Athletes who demonstrate their commitment to nonprofit causes in the realms of health, wellness or youth sports. By awarding four annual $25,000 grants, Comcast and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation aim to spread the Olympic and Paralympic values in communities across the nation. Half of each grant is directed to the athlete’s nonprofit, while half is awarded to the athlete. 

“Supporting Team USA Athletes isn’t only about recognizing athletic excellence – it’s about honoring individuals who exemplify a commitment to service,” said Jessica Muir, Senior Director of Brand Partnerships & Activation at Comcast. “We are proud to celebrate our Community Champions for the impact they’ve made on their local communities. Their stories are an inspiration to us and the next generation of Team USA Athletes.” 

The four winners were selected from a robust athlete applicant pool, with summer athletes submitting nearly 70% of the applications, and more than half being athletes that currently compete. 

"Recognizing Connie, Alysia, Tara and Rico for their unwavering dedication to serving others is a true privilege," said USOPF President Christine Walshe. "Their applications reflected a deep commitment to their communities, and the foundation is honored to support their continued efforts to make a meaningful impact."  

U.S. Olympic cyclist Connie Carpenter Phinney, who won gold in the individual road race at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984 is the co-founder of the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s. After Davis, her husband, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 41, the couple has dedicated their time and energy to changing the conversation around caring for individuals with Parkinson’s by providing free educational content from clinicians and researchers. 

U.S. Olympian and mother of three Alysia Montaño, the six-time national champion in the 800-meter race, is the founder and CEO of &Mother. The organization works to break down the barriers that limit women’s ability to choose both their athletic career and motherhood. &Mother provides resources to new moms that include grants for maternal wellness costs, assistance with pregnancy and postpartum protections in athletic contracts, free or low-cost childcare, and more. 

Tara Peterson, a 2022 U.S. Olympian in the sport of curling, volunteered with Hope Dental Clinic, which provided dental care to all, including those who lack insurance or the means to pay for treatment. Peterson began her work with the clinic when she was in dental school, and now, as a licensed dentist, she provides quality care to those who need it most. 

Three-time U.S. Paralympic sled hockey gold medalist Rico Roman is a volunteer for Bridge City Inclusive Sports. The organization offers inclusive sport opportunities to communities in Portland, Oregon. With a focus on disabled youth, Bridge City Inclusive Sports serves as a hub for anyone interested in trying adaptive sports. 

“This award genuinely means the world to me, and it’s such an incredible opportunity to raise awareness for the causes we care about not just as athletes, but as people who invest in our communities,” said Roman. “I’m also honored to be among incredibly deserving peers like Connie, Tara and Alysia. Thank you to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation and Comcast for this recognition. It will make such an impact for adaptive athletes in my hometown and beyond.” 

Team USA Community Champions in partnership with Comcast awards grants on an annual basis. The application for the next round of grants opens Feb. 12, 2025. To learn more about the program or current and past recipients, please visit this website. 

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About USOPC 

Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. The USOPC is focused on protecting, supporting and empowering America’s athletes, and is responsible for fielding U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, and serving as the steward of the Olympic and Paralympic movements in the U.S. For more information, visit TeamUSA.com.   

About Comcast Corporation 

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.