The move not only expands the organisation's membership, but also brings with it a name change: US Olympians and Paralympians Association, effective immediately.

"There are two events, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but we are all one Team USA," said Willie Banks, the President of the US Olympians and Paralympians Association.

"We are all athletes and we are proud the organisation will include both Olympians and Paralympians."

The integration will enable US Olympians and US Paralympians to work side by side on organisational initiatives that impact the larger movement and educate young athletes.

The change also calls for the inclusion of a Paralympic vice president - in addition to the current six vice presidents.

Although a date has not yet been set, the new vice president will be selected by a vote of all US Paralympians. 

"We talked about the added value of including Paralympians and how much greater the sum would be for all of us to be working together," said Caryn Davies, the vice-president of the US Olympians and Paralympians Association.

The mission of the US Olympians and Paralympians Association is to create and implement programmes that will integrate Olympians and Paralympians into every facet of the Olympic Movement.

In support of the goals of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), US Olympians and US Paralympians strive to foster the spirit of Olympism in each community, to motivate and encourage youth and to develop camaraderie among those who have shared the unique experience of representing their nation at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Banks said.