GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Drs. James Zhang and Dan Connaughton (TRSM) recently received Outstanding Service Awards from the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee for participation as Olympic volunteers at the 2008 Olympic Games.

As Olympic volunteers, Zhang and Connaughton advised Olympic facility managers about Olympic regulations at training facilities, assisted visiting teams, and acted as liaisons among facility operators, training teams and the media.

Connaugton said that it was wonderful to be recognized for their service.

“Being recognized by the Beijing Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee for volunteering at the Beijing Olympic Games was quite an honor,” Connaughton said.

Zhang, originally from China, noted that the honor of the award was coupled with the opportunity to learn.

“Having the opportunity to volunteer at the Olympic Games, observe and learn through working experience and conduct research on site were big rewards for me,” Zhang said. “I certainly feel very much honored and appreciate it.”

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