11 Cedric Walker Development Grant recipients have incentive to earn additional funds

by Steve Underwood


The NSAF is pleased to announce not only the 11 high school track and field teams and clubs that have been named recipients of the NSAF’s Cedric Walker Development Grants for 2019, but also an additional $500 grant to be later awarded to one of these 11 programs based on their exceptional community service.

These 11 programs receiving the main grants, averaging $500-$800 each, include seven high school teams and four track and field clubs – and they reside in states ranging from South Dakota to Georgia, and Pennsylvania to Texas. The purpose of these grants is for “development” -- to help teams and clubs improve their facilities, purchase any needed equipment, meet various needs of their student-athletes, and facilitate coaches' education and more.

See grant recipients below

But the NSAF is also setting aside $500 which will be awarded in December to the program that performs the most innovative and thoughtful community service. From the beginning of this grant program in 2013, each recipient has been required to participate in volunteer service projects in their communities – which have included things like neighborhood/school grounds trash pickup; food bank, blanket or coat drives; and volunteering at local road races. The NSAF is encouraging grant recipients to really think about what their communities need and how they can give back in more significant ways.

NSAF Board Member Cedric Walker passed in March, 2013, shortly after New Balance Nationals Indoor. That fall, the NSAF started this grant program in the memory of someone who was “irreplaceable” part of the NSAF, a beloved family member and meant so much for so many people. He served the sport for more than 20 years – as a board member; founder of the Flower City TC in Rochester, New York; and as a coach, mentor and team manager at many levels, from local to international. This is the seventh year the NSAF has awarded grants in Cedric Walker’s honor. Please see Joy Kamani’s memorial.

Grant Recipients
  • Trezevant High School, Memphis, Tenn.
  • Rock Island Girls Track and Field, Rock Island, Ill.
  • Inferno Track Club, Greensburg, Pa.
  • Cornhusker Flyers Track Club, Omaha, Neb.
  • Rome High School, Rome, Ga.
  • Rapid City Central, Hermosa, S.D.
  • Hillcrest High School, Simpsonville, S.C.
  • Northwest Flyers Track Club, Houston, Texas
  • Celebration High School, Winter Garden, Fla.
  • Houston Christian Track Club, Stafford, Texas
  • Tallahassee Lincoln High School, Tallahassee, Fla.

We look forward to hearing about and publishing stories, photos and videos of the activities of these clubs and teams, both in terms of their community service projects and the goals they are able to accomplish with these funds. Please send us your photos and videos!

 

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