WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Rico Roman, 2014 U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist and two-time World Champion sled hockey player, joins Milk Life Lo Que Nos Hace Fuertes roster of strength ambassadors just in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. Did you know that nine out of 10 U.S. Olympians and Paralympians grew up drinking milk1? But it’s not just drinking milk as a kid that helped fuel Team USA, the nutrient powerhouse is a staple at U.S. Olympic Training Centers today, where tens of thousands of gallons of milk are served to U.S. Olympians and Paralympians as part of their training regimens.
U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist, Army Staff Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient, Rico Roman knows first-hand that balanced nutrition is vital. Having lost his left leg when injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) while serving, Roman took up sled hockey and quickly realized he enjoyed the game and fast pace of the competition. Training was only part of what prepared him to earn a spot on the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Team. Proper nutrition was also key. Roman shares the benefits of including milk in his diet, with its 9 essential nutrients per 8-ounce glass, including high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D and potassium to help fuel his strength.
“I feel honored be joining the Milk Life campaign and be able to share my story and educate others on the importance of a well-balanced diet that includes milk as part of your daily routine,” said Roman. “I use the strength from my training, my diet and my family to give the best of me.”
The Milk Life campaign celebrates dozens of athletes fueled by milk with its full roster of Team Milk athletes, comprised of more than 30 Team USA athletes across the country who have always trusted milk as part of their training. Among its more than 30 elite U.S. athletes, Team Milk’s roster features many recognizable names, including Kristi Yamaguchi, Maddie Bowman, Joss Christensen and Jamie Anderson.
Team USA athletes know what it takes to become a champion – and that includes maintaining a nutritious diet as an important part of their training. Milk contains a package of naturally-occurring nutrients that is hard to find in any other single food or beverage, making it a simple, wholesome, affordable and naturally nutrient-rich option for moms, kids and athletes.
To learn more about the Milk Life campaign, visit milklife.com/teamusa. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.
About MilkPEP
MilkPEP, Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation’s milk companies, who are committed to ensuring all children have access to nutrient-rich milk. The MilkPEP Board runs the national Milk Life campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the powerful nutritional benefits of milk – with essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, in each 8 ounce glass. For more information, go to milklife.com.
About the United States Olympic Committee (USOC)
Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the United States Olympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. As such, the USOC is responsible for the training, entering and funding of U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, while serving as a steward of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements throughout the country. For more information, visit TeamUSA.org.
1KRC Research conducted an online survey among retired, current, and hopeful U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes on behalf of MilkPEP between February 23 and March 7, 2016. The U.S. Olympic Committee and its National Governing Bodies distributed e-mail invitations with a link to the survey to its retired, current, and hopeful athletes inviting them to participate. In total, across Olympic and Paralympic sports, 1,113 completed the ten-minute survey (675 Olympians, 93 Paralympians and 345 hopefuls in training).
*9 out of 10 finding based on 768 responses received from survey invitations sent to all U.S. Olympians and Paralympians.
SOURCE MilkPEP