FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - United States Olympic Committee Manager of Sports Partnerships Wes Barnett will attend the USA Table Tennis 2000 US Closed this December. He will also speak and answer questions regarding USOC's role within USA Table Tennis at the Stratosphere during the US Nationals Player Party on Saturday, December 16th.

"We are very pleased to have received an invitation from USA Table Tennis to attend this prestigious event," Wes Barnett said, "I look forward to meeting the membership, athletes, coaches, officials, and the key people within table tennis. This trip will exponentially increase our understanding of your sport." Sheri Pittman, USATT president, stated "We welcome Wes Barnett to our National Championships. I see this as a great opportunity for our members to gain a glimpse at the USOC's role and the Olympic movement. I encourage everyone to attend the players party Saturday night."

In September 2000, the USOC established sports director positions to coordinate all of the needs of each National Governing Body. In the past, the USA Table Tennis staff had to keep a Rolodex full of cards in order keep abreast of the organization. USATT now has three contacts to call; Chris Vadala, Wes Barnett, or Leslie Gamez.

By early next year, USA Table Tennis must submit to the USOC a strategic partnership plan. "We look forward to working with USATT's management team," Chris Vadala stated. "We are very interested in working with USATT and its board of directors to develop a long term plan which is good for both our organizations. An important part of the plan is that it has milestones and responsibilities attached to it; and that it can be executed and accounted for by USATT staff and headquarters."

Tickets for the Players Party may be purchased at the USA Table Tennis National Championships registration desk or by contacting Debbie Doney at USA Table Tennis Headquarters, (719) 578-4583. Tickets cost $10 and are available to the first 350 people.