Olympic figure skating champion Brian Boitano came out on Thursday, two days after he was named to the U. Deryk Engelland Golden Knights Jersey .S. delegation for Sochi along with openly gay athletes Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow. The 1988 gold medallist had always kept his personal life private, saying in a statement that "being gay is just one part of who I am." But President Barack Obamas decision to include openly gay athletes in the delegation for the opening and closing ceremonies -- and not send high-ranking officials -- was widely seen as a message to Russia about its treatment of gays and lesbians. "First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance," Boitano said in his statement. "As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations." Russia has come under fierce criticism for passing national laws banning "gay propaganda," and some suggested the United States should boycott the Sochi Olympics in protest. Obama rejected that idea earlier this year, saying a stronger statement could be made by "gay and lesbian athletes bringing home the gold or silver or bronze." But his choices for the U.S. delegation left little doubt about Obamas disapproval of the new Russian law. For the first time since 2000, the U.S. will not send a president, former president, first lady or vice-president to the Olympics. This years group is led by former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and others in the delegation include U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, deputy Secretary of State William Burns and presidential adviser Rob Nabors. Of the five athletes in the delegation, three -- Boitano, King and Cahow -- are openly gay. Boitano and King will attend the opening ceremony. Cahow, a two-time medallist in womens hockey, will attend the closing ceremony with Olympic speed skating champions Bonnie Blair and Eric Heiden. "I have been fortunate to represent the United States of America in three different Olympics, and now I am honoured to be part of the presidential delegation to the Olympics in Sochi," Boitano, who is in Europe, said in his statement. "It has been my experience from competing around the world and in Russia that Olympic athletes can come together in friendship, peace and mutual respect regardless of their individual countrys practices." Earlier this month, IOC President Thomas Bach said Russia would set up public protest zones in Sochi for "people who want to express their opinion or want to demonstrate for or against something." Meanwhile, the IOC approved a letter going out to athletes reminding them to refrain from protests or political gestures during the Sochi Games -- reiterating Rule 50 of the Olympic charter, which forbids demonstrations on Olympic grounds. Bach previously said hed received assurances from Russian President Vladimir Putin that gays will not be discriminated against in Sochi. But the Russian law has raised questions about what could happen to athletes who wear pins or badges or carry flags supporting gay rights. Mark Stone Golden Knights Jersey . But sometimes the way you lose takes precedence over the final score. And how the Jets lost the 5-4 game to the New York Islanders on Thursday is what had Coach Claude Noel hot after the game. Alex Tuch Jersey .com) - Jeff Teague finished with a game-high 26 points and eight assists as the Atlanta Hawks held off the Utah Jazz, 98-92, on Friday. http://www.goldenknightssale.com/authentic-nick-holden-golden-knights-jersey/ . Once again, the third baseman delivered in a big spot. Ramirez kept up his torrid hitting with a two-run homer to help back Wily Peraltas solid start, and the Brewers extended their winning streak to seven with a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.The Canadian Curling Association will take over sole operation and decision-making for future editions of the World Financial Group Continental Cup. The curling version of golfs Ryder Cup was formerly a joint collaboration between the CCA, World Curling Federation and USA Curling. But following the 2014 WFG Continental Cup, which is scheduled for January at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, the CCA will take control of the event. "Weve had a positive working relationship with the WCF and USA Curling since the WFG Continental Cup debuted in 2002 in Regina, but we felt that to continue building on the momentum that will be generated from the Las Vegas event, it was important that the CCA take a strong role in determining future directions for the WFG Continental Cup," said CCA Chief Executive Officer Greg Stremlaw. "Weve always believed this event has huge potential for attracting new curling fans, and were excited about what we can do to take it to new levels in the future." Among the changes for future editions of the WFG Continental Cup will be increased Canadian content. Traditionally, the event pitted a North American side against teams from the rest of the world, with four Canadian (two mens, two womens) teams combining with two U.S.-based teams (one mens, one womens) to form Team North America. Instead, effective at the 2015 WFG Continental Cup, Jan. 8-11 in Calgary, the event will feature an all-Canadian entry (three mens, three womens teams). The Canadian teams will consist of the 2013 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings Canadian Curling Trials mens and womens champions Brad Jacobs of Sault Ste. Shea Theodore Jersey. Marie, Ont., and Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg; the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier and Scotties Tournament of Hearts champions; and the 2014 Canada Cup mens and womens champions (to be decided Dec. 3-7 in Camrose, Alta.). In alternating years, Canada will take on Team Europe (2015, 2017) and Team World (2016, 2018), consisting of teams from the U.S. and other non-European curling nations. "Having more Canadian teams involved is always a good thing," said Stremlaw. "It will also mean more rivalries and more excitement as other countries join forces in hopes of taking down the worlds most accomplished curling nation." Nine previous Continental Cups have been staged, with Team North America prevailing five times, including the most recent edition last January in Penticton, B.C. The first five Continental Cups featured North American teams playing European teams; Asian teams were added to the mix in 2008 at Camrose, Alta., and the Team North America vs. Team World format was adopted. The WFG Continental Cup features a variety of curling competitions, including traditional team games, skins, mixed doubles and singles. Record crowds are already guaranteed for the Las Vegas event, said Stremlaw, and future visits to the U.S. for the Continental Cup are very likely. "Were thrilled with the response to our first WFG Continental Cup staged outside of Canada," he said. "Well continue to look for new opportunities such as this one to build not only the event, but the sport of curling and showcase it in unique ways." ' ' '