April 3, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders are launching a new and innovative six-week developmental youth program, for boys & girls ages 8-14, at three locations in the Indianapolis area this summer, June 9th - July 17th, 2003. The Invaders Youth Program is an extension of the Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit track and field club comprised of elite, post-collegiate athletes.

The youth program will be held on the campus of local high schools; Arsenal Technical, Ben Davis, and Lawrence Central. The program will feature special event clinics conducted by elite track and field athletes. With four Olympians, two world championship medalists, two former/current American Record holders, and a score of top ranked US athletes the program will bring together an unprecedented amount of experience to a youth program.

Indiana University graduate - World Champion, American Record Holder, & Olympian DeDee Nathan (Multi-Events) said, "Sports are the bridge to greater opportunities for children of all ages." Purdue University graduate - #4 U.S. Ranked High Jumper, Carri Long added, "This is a wonderful opportunity for student-athletes to experience the sport." University of Cincinnati graduate - 2003 World Championship Bronze Medalist Mary Danner (4x400) said, "All children should receive the opportunity to experience sports on different levels. It allows them to mentally and physically expand and at the same time provide enjoyment and encouragement."

The program also includes a unique St. Vincent Sports Medicine clinic for parents on sports injury treatment and prevention. And, special support through a grant from the Indiana Sports Corporation's Champs Program will allow for the purchase of special track & field equipment designed for the very young developmental athlete. At the conclusion of the six week session each site will participate in a Grand Finale Track Meet showcasing the talents of all the participants in the program.

The Invaders started the youth program to further meet the goals of the USA Track and Field's club revitalization initiatives. For youth development, the initiatives serve the needs of boys & girls ages 8-14 and introduces them to the sport of track & field, teaches them event-specific skills, provides age-graded participation and advanced coaching and training techniques for those who wish to enhance their performances in youth competition.

Team Director Greg Harger said, "As a model for the sport, the Invaders are taking the lead in our community to implement these initiatives. The best thing we can do for our sport at the grass roots level is to have identifiable community clubs as they involve everyone from our community in a winning and positive identity with which many want to be associated." Harger added, "This a significant moment in the development of our efforts to meet the USATF club revitalization initiatives. We have a goal of having upwards of 500 kids in the program within three years. We anticipate the program to serve a couple hundred kids right out of the gate. We are very fortunate to have found the makings of an outstanding administrative staff for this program and the response to the creation of the respective event coaching for each site has been ahead of schedule and very encouraging."

Harger also added, "The financial support for these initiatives will have an enormous positive impact on attaining stable community-based clubs. They put teeth to the issue of committing and unifying the resources of all of the sport's development committees, responsible for the governance and development of their respective events, to support the grass roots clubs that impact and support athletes at every level of every ability. We're proud to be able to take the lead on these initiatives within our community."

USA Track & Field's Club Revitalization Mission Statement:
"To expand and broaden opportunities for America's track & field athletes to continue their participation and development outside of and beyond our school-based programs through USATF clubs."

Bill Roe, President of USA Track & Field, said, "The Invaders have already performed service to our sport and our club initiatives by hosting the first two national club championships. Now they are upping the ante and showing the way for clubs around the country to access their communities. It's going to be a tough act to follow for any other club!"

Junior Invaders Program Director Susan Holewinski said, "We are excited to introduce our youth track and field program to the Indianapolis community. Our experienced coaches are prepared to direct young athletes in their exploration of the track and field world. The Indiana Invaders are ready to share their training secrets through weekly clinics with the youth. The program is open to boys and girls who are interested in learning and developing their skills and techniques in the sport of track and field." For additional information on the Invaders Youth Program please contact Susan Holewinski at 317-340-6877 or online at (Youth@indianainvaders.com).

The Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998, present an innovative approach to track & field by providing a resident-based, athlete-centered support system unique to the sport in the United States.

Indiana Invaders Youth Program:
http://www.indianainvaders.com/youth/

For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018 or online at: (email)