USATF Foundation awards bonuses to Olympians

EUGENE - The USA Track & Field Foundation has awarded $5,000 bonuses to four recipients of their Elite Athlete Development Grant program, in recognition of their qualifying for the 2008 USA Track & Field Olympic Team. Shani Marks (triple jump), Aretha Thurmond (discus), Diana Pickler (heptahlon) and Stephanie Brown Trafton (discus) all received the bonuses to assist with expenses associated with training for the Olympic Games in August, USATF Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic announced Wednesday.

"The foundation is very proud of these four athletes," said USATF Foundation board member Mike Saltman. "These bonuses will further enhance the opportunity for our elite grant recipients to prepare for the competition in Beijing."

The USATF Foundation Elite Athlete Grant program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track and field athletes. Athletes must meet minimum performance and income standards to be eligible. 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.

For more information or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, visit www.usatffoundation.org.