Month: June 2024

International Olympic Committee news

Reiterating its commitment to the protection of clean athletes, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allocated a new USD 10 million fund to further support the development of the International Testing Agency (ITA) over the next Olympiad (2025-2028).

In 2017, the IOC decided to establish a USD 30 million fund for the creation of the ITA, to make testing independent from any conflict of interest and to restore trust in the anti-doping system. Seven years later, the IOC recognises the quality of the work accomplished and calls on the ITA to continue strengthening independent and intelligence-led anti-doping programmes.

The ITA, pursuing a sustainable financial model that mainly relies on revenues from the over 70 international sports bodies to which it delivers programmes, has been able to reduce its reliance on the IOC’s Olympic Movement financial contribution to only 9 per cent of its annual budget. This figure is lower than anticipated at the inception of the Agency, and demonstrates its increased financial independence.

The ITA manages the anti-doping programmes for International Federations (IFs) and Major Event Organisers (MEOs), including the IOC. The Agency has been running the anti-doping programmes for the Olympic Games on the IOC’s behalf since 2018.

A robust pre-Games testing programme for Paris 2024

The IOC Executive Board was updated today by the ITA on the pre-Games testing programme for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Launched in October 2023, the programme has now entered its final phase, ensuring that comprehensive testing takes place ahead of the Olympic Games this summer.

There are currently more than 31,000 athletes vying to compete in Paris. Because of the long period during which athletes can qualify, the majority of pre-Games testing will occur right up to the start of the competitions in July 2024.

A special focus has been placed on high-risk athletes, with over 60 per cent of this group having already been tested at least once since January 2024, 14 per cent having already been tested more than three times, and 10 per cent three times.

Moreover, since 18 April 2024, the ITA can directly implement doping controls on athletes from any sport on the programme in Paris within the framework of the extended testing authority of the IOC, a move which will support the efforts of National Anti-Doping Agencies (NADOs) and IFs.

The ITA is also responsible for the anti-doping programme of the Olympic Refugee Team, as was already the case for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

The ITA Paris 2024 Pre-Games Expert Group is closely monitoring testing activities on potential Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) with a Russian or Belarusian passport, who have independent doping control officers from outside their country in place to conduct tests and implement doping controls. Some 92 per cent of the athletes who could potentially participate in the Games as of 31 May have already had the minimum number of tests over six months, and have therefore met the recommendations of the Expert Group.

To ensure the credibility of the Olympic Games and reinforce the trust that the athlete community places in the global anti-doping system, the ITA continuously integrates the latest intelligence available to further reinforce independent and targeted testing activities on all high-risk athletes and sports.

Finally, and for the first time, in addition to the Expert Group, a Supervisory Panel has been appointed by the ITA – composed of athletes’ representatives and members of eight IFs and NADOs – with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) also invited to sit on the Panel as an observer and to monitor compliance.

About the ITA

At the Olympic Summit held in October 2015, following recommendation 15 of Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC proposed an independent anti-doping testing and sanctioning system. The establishment of the ITA in 2017 was one of the IOC’s 12 principles for a more robust and independent global anti-doping system to protect clean athletes. The mission of the ITA is to manage anti-doping programmes, independent from sporting or political powers, for IFs, MEOs and all other anti-doping organisations requesting support.

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2024 /3BL/ – Comcast NBCUniversal and 2Gether-International (2GI), a leading 501c3 non-profit and startup accelerator run by and for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, announced an extended partnership. Comcast is expanding its organizational support by granting $1.5 million to power 2GI’s programming through 2025. The funding helps equip disabled start-up founders with the tools and resources they need for their companies to be leaders in their respective industries. The grant will also further 2GI’s efforts to recruit and serve more people specifically with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities throughout all their programs and initiatives.

Comcast’s donation is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

Our ongoing partnership with 2Gether-International has proven to be transformative, not just within the disability community, but also in the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

DALILA WILSON-SCOTT

EVP and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation

Entrepreneurship has become an increasingly viable option for people with disabilities to embark on a meaningful career path. According to a 2022 report from the National Disability Institute (NDI), “there are 1.8 million business owners with disabilities in the U.S.,” and “with a significant portion (74 percent) of people with disabilities outside the labor force, entrepreneurship is an important employment option for this population.” The report went on to state that people with disabilities, “are often hindered by limited access to affordable startup capital and a scarcity of support, services and programs tailored to their unique needs and challenges.”

“We’re both excited and grateful for Comcast’s steadfast commitment and partnership,” said Diego Mariscal CEO and Founder, 2Gether-International. “Our organization’s goal is to create a pipeline that supports 3,000 to 5,000 Disabled Entrepreneurs annually by 2030, and Comcast’s backing will be instrumental in fulfilling this goal. Their support has already led 2GI to experience a marked increase in program enrollment, community involvement and recognition. I’m looking forward to reaching more people and tackling the systemic barriers faced by Founders with Disabilities.”

2GI will further innovate and expand their programming to address the evolving needs of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities at any stage of their respective business journey. The organization’s current initiatives include but are not limited to:

Cohorts for Founders with Disabilities: Selected participants, all of whom are Disabled Founders of early-stage, high-growth, tech startups, are immersed in 2GI’s 10-week accelerator program designed to improve their pitch and business model. The accelerator program culminates in a pitch competition, providing the entrepreneurs with an opportunity to be awarded seed funding. Since the launch of 2GI’s first accelerator in 2019, over 80 startups have participated, and these businesses have collectively raised approximately $70 million in funding from investment, revenue and acquisitions from outside investors.Apprenticeship Program: 2GI is partnering with BuildWithin, a venture-backed technology company and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Apprenticeship Intermediary, to create the first ever apprenticeship program designed for aspiring founders and startup executives with Disabilities. This initiative marks the first of its kind, focusing on empowering entrepreneurs with tailored on-the-job training and curriculum for the roles of Startup CEO and Startup CFO. The new program is being incubated in Washington D.C.’s Apprenticeship Building America Innovation Hub with the support of the U.S. Department of Labor.First-Ever Disability VC Fund: The launch of the first-ever VC fund specifically for start-up Founders with Disabilities. 2GI is currently working to raise $5 million in philanthropic capital for this initiative.

In 2022, 2GI and Comcast first partnered to facilitate the launch of 2GI’s Cohort Accelerator program, which offered participants mentorship, coaching, and connections to investors, among other resources. Graduates have since raised millions of dollars in investment capital, generated new jobs and developed accessible technology that improves the lived experiences of people with disabilities.

Originally published by Taco Bell

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Today, celebrations include parades, picnics, parties, workshops and more – unifying millions of participants around the world for a month of solidarity. Not only is Pride Month a time to celebrate diverse backgrounds and unique experiences, but also a time to recognize the worldwide impact and accomplishments that LGBTQIA+ individuals have had and continue to have.

This year’s NYC Pride theme is “Reflect, Empower and Unite”. To honor this month and our people, we’re amplifying the voices of those in the LBGTQIA+ community who are growing their careers at Taco Bell.

“Right before my mother passed away in March, she accepted me, and she helped my dad do the same. It became a promise for my dad, and that’s why it’s very special for me.”

Joshua hadn’t been able to celebrate Pride Month before, because he didn’t come out until this year. It took him seven years to be comfortable and safe with who he is. That’s why he feels patience is key to this journey.

“I tell people not to worry, because you are not alone; you have us, a whole community of people supporting you. Be patient with yourself… you will have a moment to shine bright, break free, and be who you really are.”

Not only does Joshua identify with the LGBTQIA+ community, but also with those who are deaf. Although Joshua struggled to accept himself into these two communities, he eventually learned to love himself with the support from both groups.

“I am unable to hear anything without my hearing aids, and although the technology is amazing, we still end up hearing ‘beeps’ that people with normal hearing do not encounter. So when I got into the LGBTQIA+ community, they helped me accept myself for who and how I am… and taught me to love myself even more, including being deaf. Being part of these communities has made me realize that we need to celebrate our differences.”

Currently, Joshua is a student at Irvine Valley College where he participates in the LGBTIQIA+ club, spreading the same message of love and acceptance. When he’s not at school, you can find him at a local Taco Bell working as a Food Champion!

“I joined Taco Bell three years ago during a low point in my life as my grandma had just passed away; I didn’t have motivation or goals for my life. But since joining, I’ve grown so much, learned many skills, and have become a better communicator… most of which I utilize outside of work, too.”

When it comes to inclusivity in the workplace, Joshua feels comfortable to be his authentic self.

“Taco Bell has an inclusive environment and made a safe place for me to be who I am. My peers never question me about my sexuality, instead they just treat me as they would anyone else. They show lots of respect and support, not only with me, but also the entire team.”

Looking to the future, Joshua hopes to follow in the footsteps of his mother, the person who’s had the greatest impact on his life.

“Now that I think of it, I want my legacy to honor my mother, who was the one that taught me to be kind to others. She told me to always give others kindness no matter what they go through in their lives. And to add, I want to be remembered as the person who continued spreading love because I believe [that is] something very powerful that will never go away.”