Full-time Olympics network planned

COLORADO SPRINGS, July 8 (UPI) -- A U.S. Olympic Network, which would air Olympic news and events around the year, will debut next year, the U.S. Olympic Committee and Comcast said Wednesday.

The network, to be known as USON, is scheduled to show Olympics programming using television, video on demand, and online modes, the USOC and Comcast said a news release.

The network will show championships events and have exclusive rights to the U.S. Olympic team trials after 2012.

"The U.S Olympic Network will be a dream come true for fans of the Olympic Games, delivering rich year-round content associated with the world's greatest sporting competitions," USOC Acting Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Streeter said. "By bringing the stories, competitions and history of the Olympic Movement into American homes year-round, the USOC hopes to not only inspire a new generation of athletes but also to educate young people about the ideals and values of the Olympic movement."

The network plans to include news and commentary, films and documentaries and archival Olympic footage among its programming, the release stated.

The USOC said a "significant" portion of the proceeds from the network to fund the training of U.S. athletes.