25 Feb USATF Foundation announces 23 John W. James Endowment Grant recipients
INDIANAPOLIS –Every year, the USA Track & Field Foundation kicks off its grant season in a big way with the announcement of John W. James Endowment grantees—and 2015 is no exception. The USATF Foundation will surpass a new level of support for John W. James grantees with $170,000 going to athletes training for the next Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
These funds are meant to support the dreams of elite athletes as they compete on an international level. The hope is to ease financial worries so the athlete’s sole focus can be on the mission at hand.
The John W. James Endowment was developed to remember and honor USATF Foundation Director Mark James’ late father, John W. James. It was fond memories of time spent together as fans in addition to their joint passion for track & field that inspired Mark to keep his father’s spirit alive in the next generation. The endowment is used to fund elite grants for men and women track athletes in the throwing events, which are traditionally under-funded, and to promote and highlight the throwing events at major competitions.
USATF Foundation Director Mark James explains, “The true test of the dream we have for the John W. James Grant for the throwing events is going to be the upcoming Olympic year. We are striving to have Americans on the medal platform in unprecedented numbers in these events, and now is the time to make the financial commitment to our athletes to help them get there. This is our dream, to help them realize their dreams.”
The 23 worthy recipients of John W. James Endowment grants were announced today by Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld and include:
| Amanda | Bingson | $10,000 |
| Amber | Campbell | $10,000 |
| Britney | Henry | $10,000 |
| Brittany | Smith | $10,000 |
| Felisha | Johnson | $10,000 |
| Gwendolyn | Berry | $10,000 |
| Jeneva | McCall | $10,000 |
| Joe | Kovacs | $10,000 |
| Kara | Winger | $10,000 |
| Kurt | Roberts | $10,000 |
| Lance | Brooks | $10,000 |
| Tia | Brooks | $10,000 |
| Whitney | Ashley | $10,000 |
| AG | Kruger | $4,000 |
| Andrew | Evans | $4,000 |
| Brittany | Borman | $4,000 |
| Craig | Kinsley | $4,000 |
| Jared | Schuurmans | $4,000 |
| Kibwe | Johnson | $4,000 |
| Liz | Podominick | $4,000 |
| Mason | Finley | $4,000 |
| Riley | Dolezal | $4,000 |
| Stephanie | Brown Trafton | $4,000 |
To be eligible athletes must meet minimum performance and financial need standards. The Foundation Elite Athlete Grant Program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track and field athletes.