Sidelines - September 13, 2002

Keeping our options open for 2011.

As we analyze the Pan American Games bid to determine what went wrong, we are constantly and strongly encouraged to keep our options open regarding the Games in 2011. Conversations with local government and corporate leaders, officials of the U.S. Olympic Committee and delegates within the Pan American Sports Organization have all shown a definite attitude of support for San Antonio to host these Games. There are, however, numerous issues that surround this encouragement, not the least of which is the USA's pursuit of the 2012 Olympic Games. In short, the Sports Foundation will continue to work with the City of San Antonio and the USOC to maintain a visible profile at PASO activities, and we will "keep our options open" and see what opportunities arise over the next three years.

The Bid Committee, per its contractual agreement with the USOC, must be dissolved in the months following the bid process, so the Sports Foundation will become the City's flag bearer. Gina Ochoa has left the Bid Committee and accepted a position with the S.A. Free Trade Alliance, and Bill Hanson and Vanessa Richey will transition back to Sports Foundation responsibilities. Otherwise, it's business as usual and the SASF will continue to pursue national and international sporting events that can benefit our community.

Fencing isn't a typical sport for teenage boys in South Texas, but then Mark Kubik isn't a typical teenage boy. Mark, who has been fencing since he was five years old, will represent the Sports Foundation's Community Olympic Development Program at the Junior World Cup in Louisville, Kentucky on September 21, 2002.

An all-A sophomore at Reagan High School, Mark competed in four different age categories in both men's foil and epee in the past year winning numerous awards. He has qualified for Division 1 national competition and is ranked 8th nationally in the Cadet men's foil point standings. Mark certified as a national referee last year and is looking forward to officiating at youth tournaments this year.

Lucky for Mark, his father is a CODP fencing coach, and he always has sparring partners handy. Mark's two brothers, Steve and Nick, are silver and bronze level CODP fencers. Dreams for Youth fencing programs are open to boys and girls age 8 - 19. DFY athletes who demonstrate advanced skills may qualify for the Community Olympic Development Program.

If you would like to wish Mark luck in his upcoming Junior World Cup competition, please send him an e-mail message to MK@satx.rr.com.

For more information about Dreams for Youth and the Community Olympic Development Program, which offer training in gymnastics, swimming, diving, badminton, volleyball and fencing, contact Alma Striker at 210-820-2113 or astriker@sanantoniosports.org.

Blow your whistle…it is a new start, and we’re shooting out of the blocks with our sights set on the Sports Foundation’s fall line-up of events.

Keeping our options open for 2011.