Home Depot Sends Athlete-Associates To 2004 Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games .

The Home Depot announced that a record 71 of its associates have qualified to compete in the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece. The Home Depot’s representation at the Summer Olympic Games will include 46 U.S. and two Canadian athletes, as well as one Puerto Rican athlete, competing in 17 different sports ranging from rowing to taekwondo, weightlifting and water polo. Twenty-two associates of The Home Depot, including 17 U.S. and five Canadian athletes, will compete in the 2004 Paralympic Games, which will be held in Athens from September 17 – 24.

“We are proud to help empower so many associates to realize their dream of Olympic competition in Athens. The commitment and dedication of these talented men and women give added meaning to our company’s brand message: You can do it. We can help,” said John Costello, executive vice president, Merchandising and Marketing, The Home Depot.

“Since joining the Olympic Job Opportunities Program in 2002, I’ve been able to work a part-time schedule, focus more on my training and not have to worry about earning enough money to pay my bills,” said Tiombe Hurd, member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team. “This is my first trip to the Olympics and it would not have been possible without support from The Home Depot.”