DESTINATION BEIJING DESTINATION BEIJING Participation: Tell us what you think about the Olympics USA Softball: Tour has dual purpose Lisa Fernandez: softball Nia Abdallah: taekwondo The Lopez Family: taekwondo Kate Ziegler: swimming Margaux Isaksen: : Pentathlon A group of athletes gave its support to Steven Spielberg Wednesday for his decision to withdraw as aritistic director for the Beijing Olympics because of the Chinese government's policy on Sudan and the conflict in Darfur. "I have a lot of respect for those who use their visibility to create awareness," said U.S. Olympian Jessica Mendoza. "I have to respect his passion for trying to bring awareness to a genocide that is occurring in Africa right now." Mendoza, an outfielder on the 2008 Olympic softball team, joined Team Darfur this summer. The coalition of athletes was formed by 2006 Olympic gold medalist Joey Cheek to raise awareness about the crisis in Darfur, where 200,000 people have been killed and millions more displaced, and about China's role in that conflict. China is a big investor in Sudan's oil industry and also provides military weapons. "I think what Spielberg did carries a lot of weight," said Cheek. Cheek said he's recruited more than 200 athletes from 41 countries to join Team Darfur. "It really became an entity about a year ago," said Cheek. "They basically make a commitment to learn more about Darfur and try to take some action to do something to improve what's going on there. "Fortunately, it's not me just screaming this into the void. The United Nations has called this the largest humanitarian crisis on earth." What about an Olympic boycott? The U.S. boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The U.S. government has rejected calls for a boycott of the Beijing Games. Cheek said a boycott is not his aim either. He wants people to be able to compete this summer and "be able to speak about what they believe." "I know it might not seem this way, but I want these Games to be the best Games ever," said Cheek. "I'm a massive fan of the experience and the ideal." Added Mendoza: "So many negatives there (boycotts). Olympic Games aren't supposed to be a negative political platform. "Everyone should take some responsibility for making this world a better place. We think we can do that by bringing awareness to the issue." Jennie Finch, a teammate of Mendoza's, summed up their sentiments: "Bring an end to the genocide." Enlarge By Alex Wong, Getty Images 2006 Olympic gold medalist Joey Cheek, pictured right, formed a coalition of athletes to raise awareness about the conflict in Darfur. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more