The campaign encourages the public to support and Join Team USA in many ways, including by attending one of the 330-plus Olympic Day celebrations taking place across the country, cheering for the athletes competing at National Governing Body (NGB) summer sporting events or interacting with the athletes and other fans on Facebook through a series of live chats.

"There are so many ways for fans to get involved and Join Team USA this summer, especially with the enhanced Facebook efforts of the US Olympic Team and US Paralympics," said 2008 Olympic gold medallist and 2012 wrestling hopeful Henry Cejudo.

"Fans will be able to chat with Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls, and, most importantly, support Team USA by donating on Facebook.

"Since the moment I won my gold medal in Beijing, I have viewed the victory as one for the United States and am so grateful to the thousands of Team USA supporters who helped me live my dream and represent this country to the best of my ability."

Fans can also vote for who gets one of the six Team USA grants of $12,000 (£7,325) each, and participate in sponsor events and donation drives throughout the country.

Donating to Team USA is once again at the heart of the USOC's summer campaign, which began in 2009, as approximately 80 per cent of its operating budget goes directly to athlete support programmes.

"Like many non-profit organisations, fundraising is a critical element of our success," said USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun.

"The awareness and funds raised during this campaign directly impact Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls in the United States."

Driving the Team USA donation message is a public service announcement (PSA), which will be aired on more than 400 stations across the US, as well as print and digital advertisements, featuring such Olympians and Paralympians as swimmer Natalie Coughlin, gymnast Shawn Johnson, fencer Tim Morehouse, and track and field Paralympian Marlon Shirley.

The programme kicks-off on Tuesday June 14 (Flag Day) and runs through till Sunday, July 31, 2011.

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