Olympics: Knitters hit back at USOC over Ravelympics

The USOC apologized twice for using "insensitive terms" in trying to have the needlework crafters website stop using the "lympic" phrase so near to next month's London Olympics as possible trademark infringement.

Ravelry co-founder Casey Forbes posted some of wording on Twitter, saying: "sigh. USOC: We believe using the name 'Ravelympics' for a competition that involves an afghan marathon, scarf hockey and sweater triathlon, among others, tends to denigrate the true nature of the Olympic Games."

Another poster took aim at 100m world record-holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica, saying: "Obviously they're not knitters. I bet Usain Bolt wouldn't have the stamina to finish a hat!"

"I hope that the USOC will do the American people the courtesy of not assuming that they would be so stupid as to confuse Ravelympics with Olympics," posted Rebecca Diamond.

The letter caused some hurt feelings but a follow-up statement from USOC communications chief Patrick Sandusky after e-mails, Twitter postings and telephone calls merely unwound the yarn to an even greater degree.

After pointing out the USOC is entirely sponsor-funded, Sandusky said the USOC letter "sent to the organizers of the Ravelympics was a standard-form cease and desist letter that explained why we need to protect our trademarks in legal terms.

"Rest assured, as an organization that has many passionate knitters, we never intended to make this a personal attack on the knitting community or to suggest that knitters are not supportive of Team USA.

"We apologize for any insult and appreciate your support.

"To show our support of the Ravelry community, we would welcome any handmade items that you would like to create to travel with, and motivate, our team at the 2012 Games."

That set off yet another firestorm on the USOC's Facebook page and Twitter account.

Juliann Silver-Thrasher posted: "Thanks for the half hearted attempt at a maybe apology that keeps you clear of any blame. Now, you want us to give you free stuff?"

Comments like that prompted an apology for the apology.

"As a follow-up to our previous statement on this subject, we would again like to apologize to the members of the Ravelry community," the second statement said.

"While we stand by our obligation to protect the marks and terms associated with the Olympic and Paralympic Movements in the United States, we sincerely regret the use of insensitive terms in relation to the actions of a group that was clearly not intending to denigrate or disrespect the Olympic Movement.

"We hope you'll accept this apology and continue to support the Olympic Games."