Click here to donate to Fuel the Dream

BERNARDSVILLE, N.J - Members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team were the center of attention on Saturday night at the Fuel the Dream Olympic Team Sendoff Reception at the historic Bernards Inn.

Supporters came to meet the wrestling Olympians and participate in the Fuel the Dream fundraising program, which has been developed to support the Olympians financially and assist them in bringing their families to Beijing to see them compete and provide support.

The banquet room was packed with wrestling fans and supporters of the Olympic movement, who were able to talk with the Olympians, get autographs and photographs with the team and enjoy tremendous food and hospitality.

USA Wrestling Jim Ravannack introduced each of the Olympians in attendance, giving a personal account of their wrestling careers and their unique personalities to the applause of all who were there.

Two-time Olympians Brad Vering and Daniel Cormier addressed the crowd, along with 18-year-old sensation Jake Deitchler. All thanked those who were there for their encouragement and support.

Vering talked sbout how he and his teammates would be "very businesslike" in going to Beijing to bring back medals for the United States. Cormier talked about how much their support meant to the athletes, and that their generosity was "what Americans do." Deitchler joked that New Jersey "was his new favorite state" and thanked them for all that they were doing for the wrestlers' families.

USA Wrestling Director of Development Larry Nugent read a message from Olympian Doug Schwab, who was unable to attend the Fuel the Dream weekend due to the flooding in his native Iowa. 

"I just want all those involved with Fuel the Dream to know that myself and my family greatly appreciate what they have done and are doing not only for my family but all the other athletes' families also. It means the world to us to have those who have been with us on this journey to see through to the finish," wrote Schwab. (see complete message at end of the article.

As part of the formal ceremony, the Chairman of Fuel the Dream, David Welch, handed out $1,500 checks to each of the Olympians as a first installment from the Fuel the Dream program.

The Olympians spent a tremendous amount of time visiting with all of the guests, including a number of youth and high school wrestlers who attended with their parents. A photo was taken with all of the Olympians and the youth wrestlers.

Video highlights of each of the Olympians were shown during the evening, including the final celebration segment of each of their championship matches. For many of the Olympians, this was the first time they had seen any video of their Olympic Trials victory, which was fun to witness.

As a group, each of the Olympians had a great time and showed their appreciation for those who came out to support Fuel the Dream.

"I think it was fantastic. It is a great event and people showed up in great numbers. There is a really strong wrestling community here," said Cormier.

"This is a great event. They did a great job putting this all together. I want to thank everybody for supporting us and getting our families to Beijing. It means so much to me," said Clarissa Chun.

"It is great to see this much support for us," said Spenser Mango. "They have never met us before but they are here showing so much support for all of us."

Those who organized the Olympian Sendoff felt that it was a great success, and are encouraging more people to get involved.

"We are doing this through August," said Lin Miller, one of the Fuel the Dream leaders. "Let's pass it on."

MESSAGE FROM DOUG SCHWAB

I feel badly that I am not able to attend this event. I just want all those involved with Fuel the Dream to know that myself and my family greatly appreciate what they have done and are doing not, only for my family but all the other athletes' families also. It means the world to us to have those who have been with us on this journey to see through to the finish. Fuel the Dream is helping that happen, so thank you. The floods are extensive and devastating. I am one of the lucky ones; my home and family's homes are safe but so many weren't so lucky. Iowa is a tough and resilient state and we will recover and come back stronger. Would you expect anything less from the Hawkeye State? Thanks again for all the support. Doug Schwab