Special grant helps Rockford Park District Youth Track and Field

Online Staff Report

Recently, the Rockford Park District received a $2,000 Youth Programs grant from the USA Track & Field Foundation. The money will be used to purchase uniforms for youth involved in the Rockford Park District’s FIRE Track and Field program.

The 5- to 8-year-olds involved in FIRE Track and Field are exposed to the fundamentals of track and field, recreation, nutrition, sportsmanship and self-esteem building.

Youth Sports Manager Lamont Jones said: “The grant will allow participants to really feel like they are part of a team, and wear their uniform with pride. We have a lot of talented youth in our programs who have big dreams, and we want to make sure they have all the right equipment to succeed.”

The Fourth Annual 2012 USATF F.I.R.E. Invitation takes place July 14 at Christian Life High School, 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. The event starts at 8 a.m. and is divided into eight divisions for boys and girls.

The athlete’s year of birth determines the division in which they will compete. Team entries are still being accepted, and teams must meet certain requirements to participate. The F.I.R.E Invitation is open to unattached athletes, ages 5-18.

For more about Rockford Park District’s Jr. FIRE Track and Field program or FIRE Track and Field program, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/fire. Jones can be reached at (815) 962-7469 or lamontjones@rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Posted July 11, 2012