PITTSBURGH – The USA Track & Field Foundation’s point-of-sale donation campaign got off to a fast start this past weekend as athletes greeted customers at dozens of GNC (General Nutrition Corporation) locations across the country, Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld announced today.
The athlete’s presence at the stores showed a united track & field community working together to benefit the sport. The donations collected this weekend and for the remainder of the month will directly benefit the Foundation’s Elite Athlete Development Program and Run With US! Program. The Elite Athlete Development Program gives grants to emerging and past Olympians as they strive to achieve their dream of competing in an Olympic Games, a World Championship or other Team USA competition.
Foundation grantee, Britney Henry, exclaimed, “I had a fantastic time at the GNC kick-off event. It was great to interact with the customers and show them who they are donating to. Thanks to GNC for supporting our amazing Foundation.”
Run With US! is a USA Track & Field Foundation school-based program initiative utilizing elite track & field athletes and Olympians teaching a running & exercise, nutrition, goal setting & self-esteem curriculum.
“It was inspirational to see the athletes coming out to support our new partnership and to celebrate track & field in their local communities,” Jackovic said.
In addition to store appearances, two Run With US! programs occurred on Friday in the Mount Lebanon School District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Lincoln Elementary School’s third grade class as well as Washington Elementary School’s fourth grade class had the privilege of a visit from two-time Olympian and silver medalist, Hyleas Fountain, as well as two-time US Champion in the road mile, Heather Kampf.
The USA Track & Field Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track & 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, major gifts and from generous fans of track & field.
Elite athletes are supported by the Foundation via monetary grants, career counseling (mentoring and jobs) and participation in Run With US!. Youth athletes are supported via monetary grants to youth clubs.
For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, visit www.usatffoundation.org or contact Tom Jackovic at (412) 398-2484 or tom.jackovic@usatf.org.