American fitness group and official fitness centre sponsor of the 2004-2008 US Olympic teams, 24 Hour Fitness, has announced a new programme called Commitment to Athletes.

Providing an integrated and extensive support system for athletes training for the Olympic Games, the Commitment to Athletes programme includes industry-related employment opportunities with flexible schedules, National Governing Body (NGB) and athlete sponsorships, free and reduced membership rates and upgraded, state-of-the-art training centres in a selection of US sites.

24 Hour Fitness will also be providing onsite facilities for the US teams competing in the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and Beijing as well as the Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy.

Mark Mastrov, chair and CEO of 24 Hour Fitness worldwide, said: “We are proud to be a sponsor and recognise the array of challenges athletes face on the road to the Olympic Games. Our passion is to assist these amazing athletes in ways that meet their individualized needs.”

United States Olympic Committee chief executive and chief of sport performance, Jim Scherr, said: “Ever since 24 Hour Fitness joined the Olympic sponsor family in April 2003, they have demonstrated great enthusiasm and dedication to the Olympic movement and our athletes.”

The company will also be offering special discounted membership rates for additional US Olympians, hopefuls and their families to “help defer the financial stress of funding training”.

24 Hour Fitness is based in San Ramon, California and serves more than 2.7 million members with in excess of 300 clubs across 16 US states. Details: www.24HourFitness.com