Genai Kerr

Genai Kerr Water Polo USA Olympian

June 22, 2010 (Los Angeles, California) – Genai Kerr, who represented the United
States National Water Polo Team for over a decade, announced his retirement.

Kerr, 33, started training with the USA Men’s National Water Polo Team in 1998.
His wide 6’8″ frame and tenacious, aggressive style of play dominated the pool and
brought a striking presence to the team. In the 2001 World Championships in
Fukuako, Japan he became the starting goalkeeper. He has played in an
international tournament representing the United States every year since.

Kerr helped Team USA qualify for two Olympic Games by being an instrumental
part of the gold medal teams at the Pan American Games in San Juan, Dominica
Republic 2003, and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, 2007. In 2004, he competed in the
Athens Olympics and became the first African American water polo player, along
with teammate Omar Amr, to represent the USA in the Olympics.

Of his Olympic experience, Kerr says, “It had been a long time goal of mine to
go to the Olympics. I remember walking into the Athletes Village in the birth place
of the Olympics and realizing how much of a bigger deal it was than I had ever
imagined. I was among the very best athletes in the entire world and I was
representing the USA. Knowing that we had prepared for years gave me an even
greater sense of pride”.
Throughout his long career, Kerr made time to become a mentor. He coached
developing athletes at every level from elementary school students to college
student athletes. Kerr was also a founding faculty member at Sage Hill school in
Newport Beach, CA where he flourished as an educator.

“I’m blessed to be able to share my stories and experiences with aspiring student
athletes with the hope that they can learn from my mistakes and my successes,”
said Kerr. “I’ve had a number of children come up to me and say they hadn’t even
heard of water polo until me. I enjoy exposing people to water polo that might not
have had the opportunity to learn about our great sport.” he said.
Kerr now turn his talents and energy toward the Olympic Academy Sports Camps, a
foundation he started which helps prepare student athletes for the future.
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For more information about Genai Kerr and Olympic Academy Sports Camps, please
visit www.GenaiKerr.com or www.olympicacademy.com
or contact Dorian Merina at dorian.merina@gmail.com or 1-646-709-9782

2010 Olympic Day in the United States

What is Olympic Day? Olympic Day, held annually on June 23 is celebrated by thousands of people, in more than 160 countries. Commemorating the birth of the modern Olympic Games, Olympic Day is not only a celebration, but an international effort to promote fitness and well-being in addition to Olympic ideals of Fair Play, Perseverance, Respect and Sportsmanship. From June 19-27, 2010, communities across the United States will celebrate Olympic Day through
educational programming and other activities. Additionally, some communities may want to include Olympic Day as part of an already scheduled event.
In 2009, more than 155,000 people in 170 communities across the United States hosted Olympic Day celebrations. Host organizations and cities joined more than 200 Olympians and Paralympians in proclaiming Olympic Day and celebrating Olympism in their communities. Athletes led discussions
with youth about the Olympic Values of excellence, friendship and respect. Sport demonstrations, fun runs and festivals helped introduce young people to Olympic and Paralympic sport. One of the best ways to instill these virtues in our leaders of tomorrow is through events organized and supported by local communities. This year, the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) goal is to work host organizations and Olympians and Paralympians to grow Olympic Day and promote physical fitness and Olympic Values in communities across the United States. To accomplish this, the USOC has designed a tool kit and a turn-key program that will assist communities across the nation in
celebrating Olympic Day. The USOC will work with the over 10,000 Olympians and Paralympians currently living in the United States, making best efforts to have an athlete present at each Olympic Day celebration to share their experiences and the role Olympic ideals have played in their lives.
We would like to invite communities across the United States to join us in this initiative. Please support the Olympic Day mission to promote Olympic values and physical fitness in your community by working with your sports commission, parks department or a community-based organization.
By celebrating Olympic Day, we not only can improve the communities we live in today, we can inspire the champions of tomorrow!