Carlsbad Junior
Three award winners to be recognized at Running USA 2013: The 10th Industry Conference in Savannah, Georgia; for the first time, category winners to receive $5000 each; deadline January 31, 2013
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – (January 2, 2013) – Running USA, the national industry non-profit organization, has announced the criteria for its Youth Awards 2012. In addition, for the first time, the three category winners will receive $5000 each, and past Youth Award winners are eligible to enter. At Running USA 2013: The 10th Industry Conference, the three winners will be recognized and feted at the Youth Awards Luncheon presented by Ashworth Awards on Tuesday, February 26. The annual must-attend conference will be held February 24-26 at the Hyatt Regency Savannah, Georgia.
“Across the country there are many outstanding, impactful youth running programs with dedicated coordinators and volunteers, and we not only want to acknowledge the best ones, but also provide them financial support for their important efforts to keep our kids healthy and fit,” said Susan Weeks, Running USA CEO.
The deadline to submit a Youth Awards application – 250 words or less – is Thursday, January 31, 2013. Please send applications to Susan Weeks at susan@runningusa.org.
2012 Youth Awards Criteria
Youth Awards will be evaluated on the following criteria as well as an individual review of submissions by the Running USA Youth Awards Committee.
1) Youth Program of the Year
Serve youth for any ages between 5 and 18 inclusive.
Provide a consistent program of running and related activities over at least an 8-week period.
Demonstrate a means for serving youth of varying levels of interest in physical fitness and ability level.
Provide the plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the program.
Share materials developed and / or staff time to help others start or enhance a youth running program.
Have a comprehensive risk management provision for safety of participants including, but not limited to injury prevention, background check of all volunteers / staff and emergency segments.
Have a nutrition and hydration education component.
Be in existence for at least 2 years
Be a member or affiliated with a member of Running USA
2) Youth Event of the Year
Promotes a healthy lifestyle in its messaging surrounding the event.
Components analysis: scholarship / price, promotion calendar and relationships with clubs and / or schools
Submissions should include event size, growth and any additional incentives to participants.
Be in existence for at least 2 years
Be a Running USA member or affiliated with a Running USA member event
3) Youth Contributor of the Year (individual or group)
Demonstrates an ongoing devotion to the health and well-being of children by inspiring them to run.
Components analysis: longevity, impact on community and leadership role
Contributes significantly to a Youth Program or Event that meets all Running USA criteria.
For past Running USA Youth Award winners go to: www.runningusa.org/youth-programs
About Running USA
Running USA advances, serves, promotes and celebrates the sport of running as a clearinghouse and resource center and though its popular annual conference, website, Running USA wire, Running USA Industry E-News, National Runner Survey, annual marathon, half-marathon and State of the Sport reports, and by providing athlete support via the Allan Steinfeld Development Award.
Running USA’s more than 325 members include events with 2-plus million finishers and prize money exceeding $5.7 million, race services companies, running-related media companies and organizations and the athletic industry.
In March 2009, the non-profit industry organization marked a decade of achievement to build and promote the sport.
