This was just sent to me: It is a letter written by former USA Swimming, Vice President, Mike Saltzstein, who has sent it to President Jim Wood of USA Swimming.
The first two paragraphs are certainly of interest:
"... I understand there will be a telephone meeting of USA Swimming's Board of Directors on June 30, 2010. It is my further understanding that this call is planned to be [a] discussion of the collapse of the USA Swimming Foundation Board, and appointing member of the Swimming Board in number[s] sufficient to run the Foundation.
While complete control over the assets of the Foundation is certainly an important topic, I urge you to use this meeting as well, to discuss the recent revelations of certain violations of trust, good, and transparent leadership of the organization (including: [Link] ) And, to break the silence from you, our elected leaders. It is simply unfathomable to wait any longer to protect our athletes and the coaches who lead them. ..."
[See the image above to read the letter in it's entirety - Tony]
7 comments:
As one of Andy King's many victims, I am appalled by USA Swimming's secrecy & lies regarding this topic. I'm thankful that I was still within the statute of limitations so I am able to get closure knowing that King is serving jail time for what he did to me. The victims need something from USA Swimming... assurance that these crimes will not be tolerated. An action plan... and not just a plan but taking action. No more lies. No more secrecy. No more hiding. To the executive members of USA Swimming, please just get the job done!
I too am a victim of Andy King's. Unfortunately, I fall outside the Statue of Limitations, so my personal case, while one of the most extreme in Andy King's "collection", was not admissable in court. However, my participation in his sentencing and going public on the subject, has absolutely brought peace for me and perhaps and awareness for others that an education about sexual abuse is necessary within the sport of swimming. That said, until recently, I have always supported the sport and the organization who governs swimming. I did not believe that USA Swimming or Chuck Wielgus had any agenda but the well being of its particpants in mind. This is absolutely NOT the case, as Mr. Weilgus had only his best interest in mind when dealing with MANY of the victims who actually DID have the courage to come forward with the truth. Mr Weilgus has an antiquated view of sexual abuse: "Blame the victims and keep it a secret." We are not living in the 1970-80's anymore where that view was socially acceptable and utilized. In the 1950's, "Blame the victims and keep it a secret." was how CANCER was dealt with! Look how far our society has come with THAT! It is ignorant and cruel to continue with this viewpoint in USA Swimming and in society. 1 of EVERY 4 girls are sexually abused in the USA. 1 of every 6 boys are sexually abused. Those are real numbers in our society and do not exclude the sport of swimming. Chuck Weilgus must think he is an ostrich who can hide his head in the sand and expect the problem to go away. It is Mr. Weilgus and people like him that make sexual abuse such a taboo subject to report and to stop.
Sigh...
I am flabberghasted about this too. All they had to do was acknowledge their mistakes and make new rules but they chose to issue press releases, partnerships and rhetoric rather than policy, apologies and implementation.
To the two anonymous victims. You have our full support and understanding. Tony, thanks for putting to light what no else will. I cant believe there hasn't been any kind of statement from USA Swimming.
I think it is time to "crowd source" this problem.
It has been proven that a group, when given the right information, is more effective in solving a problem that a lonesome individual.
USA Swimming and the USOC have stated that they are seeking outside experts and child protection groups to advise and develop a child protection policy but we don't see any policy.
You would think that this problem would have a de facto solution already in place when you look at the myriad of child development organizations such as the YMCA, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, the 4H club and numerous others.
There is a lot of foot dragging here - that is obvious.
So, how should the problem be tackled? Develop a policy for USA Swimming on our own and submit it? Have the parents vote in a board who will insist the job gets done? Get public officials involved?
http://www.gazette.com/sports/usaswimmingboardconsideringathletesafeguardsinnewpartnership-101053--.html
So is that all that happened?
And now with the former coach of west Valley Swim club being revealed there is more for the public to finally mandate that Usa swimming step up further to protect the young swimmers....
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