Lance Armstrong Steps Down as Chairman of His Livestrong Foundation Hope Gillette - VOXXI
go to original October 17, 2012

Students of the World: Mexico. Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything. (livestrongarmy)

World renowned cyclist Lance Armstrong has stepped down as chairman of his Livestrong cancer charity, stating he wishes to spare the organization any negative effects as a result of the controversy surrounding him. Armstrong battled blood doping allegations for years, but earlier in 2012 he gave up fighting his accusers and allowed the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to strip him of his seven Tour de France titles.

“I am deeply grateful to the people of the foundation who have done such hard and excellent work over the last 15 years, building tangible and effective ways to improve the lives of cancer survivors,” Armstrong said in a statement. “I have had the great honor of serving as this foundation’s chairman for the last five years and its mission and success are my top priorities. Today therefore, to spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding my cycling career, I will conclude my chairmanship.”

Lance Armstrong gone, who’s in charge now?

The chairmanship will pass to current Vice Chairman Jeff Garvey, who will continue the foundation’s mission in providing support for cancer survivors. Doug Ulman, President and CEO of Livestrong, released a statement indicating Garvey, who has been with the group for 15 years, will facilitate a seamless transition and uphold Livestrong’s primary goals.

Ulman added, “Long before he became a household name, Lance Armstrong created a foundation to serve others facing the same fears and challenges he struggled to overcome as a result of his cancer diagnosis.”

Despite the USADA’s claims of substantial evidence indicating Lance Armstrong was blood doping, the cyclist’s legacy lives on in the work he has done through his charity. To date, the Livestrong Foundation has raised more than $500 million dollars for people affected by cancer.

Nike, once a proud sponsor of Lance Armstrong, has terminated its contract with the athlete, though the company states it will continue to support the Livestrong Foundation initiatives.

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