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By Nancy Keith Kelly, BASOC Volunteer
The experience of attending an Olympic Games as a spectator is one that Bryan Ivie would love to see happen for Bay Area youth. While growing up in Southern California, Bryan watched the USA Men's Volleyball team win the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It left a lasting impression and became a platform for his career. At that time, Bryan just started playing volleyball and shortly thereafter was awarded a scholarship to USC. In 1991, the American Volleyball Coaches Association named Bryan Player of the Year.
In 1992, Bryan competed in his first Olympic Games in Barcelona where the U.S. Men's team won the Bronze medal. He also competed for the U.S. in Atlanta and feels that the Bay Area is the best venue for the 2012 Olympic Games.
How did you get involved with BASOC?
I moved to the Bay Area about two years ago and a friend that knew I was an Olympian told me about BASOC. I emailed Anne Cribbs, BASOC President and CEO, and expressed my interest in being a part of the committee.
What is your role with BASOC?
I've served on the BASOC Board of Directors since the beginning of the year. So far, my involvement has included participating in fundraisers and interacting with a variety of people. Should the Olympic Games come to Bay Area, I'd like to get more involved with the volleyball aspect and also continue my work with kids.
Why is the Bay Area the perfect host for the Olympic Games?
The weather is the best and there are a number of great venues. I was in Atlanta in 1996 and the weather was miserable. It's certainly one of the many serious considerations for both the athletes and the visitors.
Tell us a little about your professional experience.
I moved to the Bay Area about two years ago and I've been working for the CAC Group, a commercial real estate firm in San Francisco. We specialize in project leasing and tenant representation.
Tell us a bit more about your own Olympic Experience(s).
I watched the U.S. Men's Volleyball team win the Gold at Long Beach State, during the 1984 Games. It left a huge impression on me and gave me some direction in life when I needed it. I became interested in volleyball and realized that things like good grades were important. So, I settled down a bit and focused in on my schoolwork and my game. Doing so led to a great college career and then two opportunities to play in the Olympic Games.
My experience in Barcelona really stood out. It was my first Olympic Games, we won the bronze medal, and I was playing alongside a number of friends that I played with in college. It was if I was playing with my family.
Thanks Bryan for taking the time to speak to us!
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