Section 9G. Any employee of the commonwealth who qualifies as a member of a team representing the United States in any World athletic or Olympic competition shall be granted a leave of absence with pay for the purpose of engaging in competition. Paid leave shall be limited to the period of the official training camp and competition combined, or for a period of sixty calendar days whichever is shorter. The word ''team'' shall include the group leader, coach, official and any athletes who comprise the official delegation of the United States to the World or Olympic competition.