I’ll admit that Runner’s World is probably my key source of information about running…which means it is largely focused on the day to day runner. With the rise of attention on the Olympic Trials I have had a chance to learn a little more about the athletes and all those that support them in getting there!
One of these unsung heroes is the USATF Foundation. This foundation is directed by some pretty impressive names like Nicholas Sparks (author), Bob Greifeld (CEO NASADAQ), WIllie Banks (Olympian) etc… but what is more impressive is that they give back 95% of all money raised!
Where is this money going?? It helps up and coming athlete stay in the sport through a variety of financial and training assistance programs. It’s not a sport that hands out million dollar contracts or sponsorships, but it requires a lot of time and dedication as we all well know to truly improve. Simply knowing the time many of us put in to training, I can only imagine the effort and finances required to train like it were truly my job.
With the support of USATFF athletes are able to find part time jobs that allow them time to train or receive fundin
g to live at the Olympic training center. As the single largest participatory sport in the US, it’s pretty amazing to know this foundation exists to help those with a dream truly pursue it. One of the major ways they do this is through the Distance Project which seeks to assist collegiate athletes in making the jump to professional running.
This great group is not just about the elites, but America’s youth too! They do a lot of grants to youth programs/clubs to help them with uniforms, travel, staff or whatever else they might need. I am so passionate about kids getting involved in a sport that I am really excited about this part of their foundation. In 2012 they will be expanding it with a couple of AMAZING new programs with a couple of schools in LA….students will actually get to run with elite athletes as their teachers!
Anyhow with the trials approaching, I just wanted to share a little more about one group working to spread the love of our great sport! They are always looking for new funding and donations, so don’t be shy about checking out their site to see how you can help. :)
Have you ever heard about the USATFF? Do you pay attention all track and field sports or just the folks you know personally that are running?
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Jan 13
I am grateful for amazing non-profits
I am grateful for children’s programs
I am grateful for down to Earth pro’s
I am grateful for new ways to give
I am grateful for tennis ball massages
