Below is an unedited press release I received via the USOC regarding SPIRE Institute, a swimswam friend and partner. For swimmers, it’s a reason to get excited. Being designated a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site is just the beginning of the evolution of SPIRE Institute, the umbrella under which all athletic, academic and events on campus are coordinated. SPIRE Academy – a private boarding school that offers summer camps (and school year camps) – is the core of SPIRE Institute, and will be greatly affected as USOC athletes train side by side with the Academy students. SPIRE’s uniqueness as a non profit organization and future outreach possiblities will change the face of the sports academy.
SPIRE Institute has been officially designated a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, one of only three facilities nationally with this distinction, as announced today by the United States Olympic Committee. As an official training site of Team USA, SPIRE will offer resources, services and facilities to U.S. track & field and wheelchair basketball athletes, while creating an elite training environment that positively impacts performance.
Based in Geneva, Ohio, SPIRE features 750,000 square feet of Olympic-caliber indoor training facilities on more than 175 acres, including a multi-sport stadium complex. The world-class training, education and wellness complex is home to a nationally renowned training staff, and offers residential high school and post-graduate academy programs, summer and holiday camps, and weekend training sessions in a variety of sports. Boasting one of the most diverse and inclusive mix of athletes in the country, SPIRE also offers a variety of athletic development programs, including sports medicine, nutrition and wellness offerings that can be customized based on individual needs.
SPIRE is among a select few designated training sites serving both Olympians and Paralympians.. “This designation by the US Olympic Committee will bring significant economic activity to Northeast Ohio and further strengthens our region as one of the country’s premier sporting destinations. Not only will Olympic athletes now be traveling to train right here in Northeast Ohio, but this designation will help drive other athletes and events to SPIRE and our region,” says David Gilbert, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
“We are thrilled to welcome SPIRE Institute as the newest U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site designation, and appreciate SPIRE’s commitment to the USOC and U.S. National Governing Bodies and their athletes,” said Alicia McConnell, USOC director of training sites and community partnerships. “SPIRE has a strong reputation for its world-class facilities, which will provide critical training for America’s finest athletes.”
McConnell addressed a group of area officials and sport dignitaries – including four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson – on Friday, Feb. 22, overlooking SPIRE’s state-of-the-art 240,000 square-foot indoor track & field complex. Opened in 2010, the complex features 85-foot-high ceilings; a 300-meter, eight-lane track; and separate throwing, jumping and pole vault areas, and is considered one of the best in the world by Johnson and other Olympic greats.
Additionally, wheelchair basketball athletes will have access to a one-of-a-kind multipurpose court surface, which is also used for volleyball, tennis, gymnastics and mat sports.
Ron Clutter, Founder & CEO of SPIRE Institute
“It’s a great honor and the fulfillment of a dream to be recognized for our Olympic track and field and Paralympic wheelchair basketball facilities and resources,” said Ron Clutter, SPIRE Institute founder and CEO. “Since our inception, our vision has been to unlock the full potential of the human spirit through athletics, academics and service, offering programs that focus on the positive power of sports for all individuals. We look forward to not only serving these world-class athletes and their families in their quest for Olympic excellence, but athletes of all ages and skill levels who enjoy sports and competition.”
The designation will help SPIRE to deliver “tens of millions of dollars” of economic impact to the region, Clutter said.
For more information on the SPIRE Institute, visit SpireInstitute.org.
SPIRE Swimming, under the direction of Head Coach Jim Bocci, a highly respected developer of talent, is on a mission to set a new standard in the world of swim training and competition.
Joining Jim on this quest is Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist Diana Munz, and USA Swimming Hall of Fame coach Jerry Holtrey and his highly respected swim club, the Lake Erie Silver Dolphins.
Coach Bocci and his team of experts have designed a series of program options at SPIRE to appeal to a wide variety of competitive swimmers. All are geared to develop better athletes, more technically proficient swimmers, and individuals who embrace the qualities of leadership, commitment, self-discipline, teamwork and service.