USATF Foundation awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to ten athletes

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Contact:
Tom Jackovic
USA Track & Field
Executive Director
USATF Foundation
412-398-2484; Tom.Jackovic@usatf.org


USATF Foundation awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to ten athletes



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


Athletes receiving $5,000 grants include Adam Kuehl (Tucson, Ariz. - discus throw), Alice Schmidt (Coronado, Calif. - 800 meters) and Suzy Powell (Modesto, Calif. - discus throw).

Grantees receiving $4,000 grants include Brittany Henry (Eugene, Ore. - hammer throw), Cory Martin (Auburn, Ala. - shot put/hammer throw), Maggie Vessey (Soquel, Calif. - 800 Meters), William Conwell (Kent, Wash. - discus throw), Melinda Owen (Chula Vista, Calif. - pole vault), Dominique Darden (Gainesville, Fla. - 400 hurdles) and Monica Hargrove (Fayetteville, Ark. - 400 meters).


"One key aim of the USATF Foundation is to encourage American athletes to pursue their dreams of Olympic greatness," said USATF Foundation Director Chris Borch. "In the difficult process of selecting athletes to receive grants, we've seen there is never a shortage of talent or the willingness by athletes to sacrifice or work hard. Instead, the shortfall is almost always financial."

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 youth outreach 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.