With just 17 days until the opening ceremonies, the 2012 Olympic Games are fast approaching—and time is running out even faster for you to turn your Olympic anticipation into action and help out Team USA.

This year, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) launched the Raise Our Flag campaign, which gives Olympic supporters and fanatics alike the chance to literally be a part of the Games. By donating $ 12 to the initiative by Thursday, July 12, you’re contributing one stitch to the fabric of the American flag that will wave high and mighty during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Unlike many other nations, the United States doesn’t offer direct federal funding to athletic programs such as the USOC. Because of this, the Olympic Committee must rely on television contracts, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations to generate revenue for the 750+ U.S. Olympians and Paralympians who will compete in London.

The donations provide the athletes with necessities like housing during the games, prepared meals, groceries, and training equipment (like boxing rings, weights, and wrestling mats). Every stitch is honored on the Donor’s Wall of the Team USA website and can be dedicated to a friend, family member, or athlete.

The Raise Our Flag campaign is a great way to show our athletes that we acknowledge their determination and we’re on their team—over every hurdle and across every court. Who knows, it could be your one stitch that determines whether Misty-May Treanor and Kerri Walsh get a new practice volleyball or Allyson Felix gets a week’s worth of high-protein dinners to keep her lean and strong.

In addition to watching Olympic coverage from your couch, take the next step and become part of the journey to the 2012 London Olympics by donating a stitch through Raise Our Flag.

Raise Our Flag: By the Numbers
•  25,712 (and counting): The number of stitches that have already been purchased and sewn into the Team USA flag
• 308,544: The amount in dollars that has been donated in stitches
• 417: The largest single-donation contribution of stitches so far ($ 5,004)
• 40: The number of stitches needed to supply one athlete with a month of prepared meals
• 1,100: The number of stitches needed to provide one boxing ring
• 15: The number of stitches needed to supply one athlete with groceries for a month (just think about the 12,000 calories per day that Michael Phelps needs to consume in order to maintain his medal-winning physique!)
• 75: The number of stitches needed to supply one wrestling mat
• 1,600: The number of stitches needed for a full set of weights
• 125: The number of stitches that provide starting blocks for the USA swimming team (you’re welcome, Natalie Coughlin, and we salute you)

To donate, go to raiseourflag.teamusa.org!

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