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For Immediate Release
January 30, 2003
Oh Rats! Event Will Undergo Name Change
Lincoln, Neb.— The tradition of Nebraska Wesleyan’s
annual rat competition will undergo a change.
NWU was recently advised by
the United States Olympic Committee to change the name of its well-known
psychology event, the "Rat Olympics."
A USOC representative notified Wesleyan in January
that they have exclusive rights to the word "Olympics"
under the "Ted Stevens Olympics and Amateur Sports Act."
Those using the name can be sued for using the word "Olympics"
to promote any theatrical exhibition, athletic performance or competition.
The USOC also has exclusive rights to similar words including Olympiad
and Pan-American Games.
The annual event is a finale to the psychology course,
"Basic Learning Principles." Students train rats in various
events including track, weight-lifting, long jump, rope climb and
tight rope.
The 28-year tradition will continue at Wesleyan
but for now it will be referred to as "the event formerly known
as the Rat Olympics."
The USOC said they became aware of the Wesleyan
event after seeing media coverage. Media from across the country
and several foreign countries including CNN Headline News and ESPN
Sports Center have reported on the event.
Plans now include a contest to rename the event,
which will be held Thursday, December 4, 2003. Contest details have
not yet been determined. Those with ideas can submit them to Public
Relations Manager Sara Olson at solson@nebrwesleyan.edu.
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