Athletes on the US Speedskating Team, several of whom are also students of accredited online degree provider Ashworth College (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu), will for the first time ever be televised by NBC on both network and cable television as they compete in the 2014 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
NBC will provide 13 hours of coverage starting Dec. 26th over the 11-day Trials, which will select the thirty athletes named to the 2014 U.S. Olympic Speedskating Team. The team will then prepare for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games to be held in Sochi, Russia in February.
Many members of the team are using the current off-season to both prepare for the Trials as well as to continue their education through accredited online degrees with Ashworth College. By enrolling at Ashworth, these athletes are able to complete their lessons around the demands of practice, meets and travel.
"My skating career is extremely important to me and so is my education. The opportunity to pursue my degree through Ashworth means I don't have to choose between the two." said Emily Scott, short track silver medalist at the 2012 World Championships.
Alyson Dudek, 2010 Olympic Bronze Medalist, added "With our rigorous practice and competition schedule, Ashworth gives me the flexibility to take classes and study at my own pace that would not be possible with a traditional university."
Ashworth College continues to be proud of the United States Speedskating Team and their accomplishments. "In both education and elite sports, dedication and hard work pay off with impressive results," Ashworth CEO Rob Klapper said. "An Ashworth student can complete their education online, from home, anywhere in the world without needing to step foot in a classroom or meet an instructor face-to-face. We're proud to know that we help so many graduates get an education on their terms and find a better path to their goals."
As part of the partnership, Ashworth College offers discounted online degree programs to all US Speedskating members and to SpeedskaterNation. Ashworth College looks forward to cheering on team USA at the U.S. Olympic Team long track trials Dec. 26, 2013 through Jan. 1, 2014 and the short track trials Jan. 2-5, 2014.
About US speedskating
US Speedskating is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union as the governing body for the sport of speedskating in the United States. Its mission is to be one of the premier speedskating organizations in the world through excellence in leadership, development and performance. To date, US Speedskating has won 85 Olympic medals, making it the most successful winter sport in the U.S. In addition to its elite programs, US Speedskating is responsible for the grassroots development of speedskating. For more information, follow US Speedskating on Facebook, Twitter and visit www.usspeedskating.org.
