USATF Foundation awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to twelve athletes

INDIANAPOLIS - The USA Track & Field Foundation has presented Elite Athlete Development Grants to twelve athletes, Foundation Executive Director, Tom Jackovic and Chairman, Bob Greifeld, announced today.

Athletes receiving $5000 grants include first time grantees Erica Bartolina (pole vault), Russ Winger (shot put), Miriam Barnes (400 meter hurdles) and Yvette Lewis (triple jump).

Repeat grantees receiving $5000 grants include Aretha Hill (discus throw), Shani Marks (triple jump), Mike Hazle (javelin), Chris Helwick (decathlon), April Steiner Bennett (pole vault), Chris Randolph (decathlon), LaRon Bennett (400 meter hurdles), and Morgan Uceny (800 meters).

"Having just met with several USA Track & Field athletes at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego, we saw firsthand that the impact of these grants is significant," said USATF Foundation Director, Dan McClory. "In many cases, the Foundation grants and aid to our emerging elite competitors, are the difference between doing the best they can do, and actually doing their very best," McClory continued.

The 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 standards to be eligible and must also participate in the Win With Integrity program.

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 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.

Courtesy USATF