USATF Foundation addresses Opening General Session at Annual Meeting

12-6-2011

ST. LOUIS - At the recently completed USATF Annual Meeting held in St. Louis, MO, Executive Director Tom Jackovic and John W. James Endowment grantee Kibwe Johnson spoke before a large assembled group of athletes, officials, coaches, supporters and volunteers at the meeting’s Opening General Session.

Jackovic began by summarizing the Foundation’s outstanding 2011 activities and accomplishments for elite athletes (grants, jobs, mentoring) and youth clubs (grants, Mark Springer Youth Travel Program), finishing up with a preview of plans for two new programs to be launched in 2012 (Run With US! and the Rock “N” Roll “Run With the Stars” 5K Charity Run). Johnson spoke on behalf of all grant recipients, detailing how both his grant positively impacted his 2011 season and of the overall work of the Foundation.

Besides setting a PR in 2011 with a winning throw of 80.31 meters (best American throw in 11 years) at the USA Championships in Eugene this past June, Kibwe Johnson took to the mike and stated “I just set a PR with the most people I spoke in front of!”

“I was a little nervous but very excited to address the general session on behalf of the Foundation. I realize the importance of seeing the athletes' face that those donations go to. I think my story was a perfect example of the type of athletes the Foundation seeks to lend a helping hand. I'm grateful for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the athletes and most grateful for the USATF Foundation and those who donate to their good cause.”

The Foundation grant gave Kibwe a level of security in financing his training, which allowed him to fully focus on the 2011 season. His results this year speak for themselves. Besides winning his first outdoor national title and in the process, securing a spot on Team USA for the IAAF World Championships, he set a championship record at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Additionally, Johnson was the 2008 USA Indoor Champion, 2007 USA Outdoor silver medalist, 2006 USA Indoor weight throw silver medalist and 2007 Pan American Games silver medalist.

Kibwe has begun his training for the 2012 season with the goal of representing the United States at the 2012 London Olympic Games. The USA Track & Field Foundation wishes him the best of luck in the pursuit of his Olympic dream.

Johnson represents the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), residing and training in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, with his wife Crystal Smith. They are expecting their first child in 2012.

The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes, distance training centers and anti-doping education. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors and from generous fans of track & field.

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

KIBWE JOHNSON