The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and its National Governing Bodies will join the NACDA in presenting the prize at the Convention, which is due to take place from June 10 until 15.

The award recognises colleges and universities with student-athletes and coaches who contributed to Team USA's success at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

America topped the medal table at the Olympic Games with 104 medals, 46 of which were gold, while they finished sixth at the Paralympic Games with 98 medals, 31 gold.

"Collegiate athletics sustain development pipelines and help prepare athletes for progression to elite NGB (national governing body) programmes," said USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun.

"These awards acknowledge this crucial partnership, which is fundamental to shaping the future of Olympic and Paralympic Movements in the United States."


A total of 39 institutions will be honoured during the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup on June 14, while all honourees either have a current student-athlete who was part of a medal-winning performance or a coach who was an official member of the US Olympic or Paralympic delegations and led his or her athlete or team to a medal.

Overall, 35 coaches representing 29 institutions helped Team USA produce medals in nine sports, and 28 US athletes from 18 collegiate programmes won 34 medals at London 2012.

"Having a student-athlete or coach compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games is an honour for both the individual and an institution," said NACDA President and University of Maryland director of athletics Kevin Anderson.

"It is important that our colleges and universities continue to be a platform for our student-athletes and coaches to strive to compete at the highest level.

"Recognising these achievements at the NACDA Convention allows for not only our association, but also the USOC to honour these institutions for supporting the US Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

The US Olympic Achievement Award is presented every two years following the Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Two versions of the award are given, including a medal that will be presented to each institution's athletics director, and a presentation piece that may be showcased in the athletics department.

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