Any State employee in the career, senior executive or unclassified service who qualifies as a member of the United States team for athletic competition at the world, Pan American or Olympic level, in a sport contested in either Pan American or Olympic competition, shall be granted a leave of absence with pay and without loss of rights, privileges and benefits and without interruption of membership in any retirement system of the State for the purpose of preparing for and engaging in the competition. The paid leave granted pursuant to this title shall be no more than 90 calendar days in one year or the combined days of the official training camp and competition, whichever is less.
N.J.S. § 11A:6-11