The USOC, in partnership with My Fan Rewards  have launched of MyTeamUSA Rewards to coincide with the Vancouver Olympics, which start on Friday.

For each dollar a member earns, a matching dollar will be donated to the USOC and Team USA.

Lisa Baird, the the USOC's chief marketing officer, said: "The start of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver is the perfect time to introduce this wonderful programme, designed to give back to our fans and to support Team USA.

"A programme like this has the dual benefit of helping US athletes reach their dreams and rewarding fans with a VISA pre-paid card." 

To take part fans have register at www.myteamusarewards.com and begin shopping at the hundreds of participating on-line retailers, including US Olympic partners such as Nike, AT&T and 24 Hour Fitness as well as retailers such as 1800 Flowers and Petco.

Once members have earned at least $5 cash back, they can redeem their earnings for a Visa prepaid card that is sent directly to them - or they can choose to donate all of their earnings to provide additional support for Team USA.

Charles Rosenblatt, the chief operation officer of My Fan Rewards said: "Just by shopping the way they normally would, fans can save money for themselves and make an important contribution to US athletes.

"Our unique approach to rewards programmes creates a truly winning situation for all participants. 

"With MyTeamUSA Rewards, everyone can go for the gold."

Proceeds from the MyTeamUSA Rewards program will be used to support US athlete training programmes and facilities across the country, such as the three U.S. Olympic Training Centers, athlete health insurance, sports science and medicine, and off-the-field athlete programmes such as career and tuition assistance.