USATF Foundation Grants impact many aspects of the sport

USATF Foundation Grants impact many aspects of the sport

The USATF Foundation has awarded two grants that will benefit the sport of track and field in the United States. These grants will support a group of emerging elite distance runners and enhance the Mark Springer Youth Travel Program.

The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs in a variety of areas, most notably providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes and anti-doping education. The Foundation depends on donations from its board of directors and from generous fans of track & field.

The Foundation assists people of all ages, all walks of life, and all ability levels in finding enjoyment and accomplishment and achieving fitness through our inclusive sport.

European Track Circuit program made possible by USATF Foundation Grant

The USA Track & Field Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to support emerging elite athletes on a three-week European Track Circuit program this summer. The program will be administered by Team USA Minnesota and USA Track & Field.

Based on a grant request from Team USA Minnesota, this program will focus on "up and coming" American distance runners who have demonstrated world-class performance potential and have financial need. Athletes will be chosen from Team USA Minnesota's squad as well as from the other elite distance running centers.

Up to 10 athletes will receive travel funding for a three-week European trip that includes several competitions and a training camp. Confirmed competitions include the men's and women's 3,000 meter races in Liege, Belgium, and men's and women's 5,000 meters in Heusden, Netherlands. Additional races are set for the Belgian cities Kortrijk and Ghent. A training base utilizing facilities in Leuven, Belgium, has been established in cooperation with The Daring Club Leuven Atletiek.

American athletes who demonstrate financial need from each of the USA Distance Centers as well as select "independent" athletes will be considered for this grant. The athlete selection process will be managed by the USATF National Office, and Dennis Barker, Team USA Minnesota coach.

"We're so appreciative of the USATF Foundation for giving our athletes this opportunity to compete in Europe," said Pat Goodwin, Team USA Minnesota Founder and President. "Running over there is a whole different ballgame, and the more experience our athletes can get competing there the better off they'll be nationally and internationally."

At the last two elite distance running summits, which brought together leaders in the distance running community, exposure and experience of racing in Europe against top flight international competition was identified as the top priority for American distance runners. The USATF Foundation decided to respond to this need as one of its first actions in support of elite athlete development.

Mark Springer Youth Program benefits from USATF Foundation Grant

A highly lauded program that provides travel support to young athletes has received a $20,000 grant from the USATF Foundation.

Named for the former USATF Director of Grass Roots Programs and originator of the program, the Mark Springer Youth Travel Program is supported by USATF and the USA Track & Field Foundation. The Mark Springer Youth Travel Grant Program offers travel assistance grants to eligible youth clubs across the country.

Since 2000, the grants have helped clubs offset expenses related to bringing athletes to USATF national championships, specifically the USA Junior Outdoor Championships, USA Youth Outdoor Championships, and USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field and Cross Country Championships. Over $90,000 has been awarded to more than 115 clubs, with an average grant of more than $750, since the program's inception, making it one of USATF's most popular grass roots efforts and a direct benefit of USATF Club membership.

For more information on the USA Track & Field Foundation and USATF, visit www.usatffoundation.org.