Home

GOLD MEDAL FOR TOMMIE SMITH YOUTH TRACK MEET

Nearly 1400 athletes and spectators embrace inaugural track meet   

WASHINGTON, DC, May 23, 2009 – Today nearly 800 track athletes from 5-16 years old participated in the inaugural Tommie Smith Youth Track Meet at Dunbar Senior High School. The youth track meet was hosted by the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C. Inc (100 BMGWDC) and 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist Tommie Smith. The event was held in conjunction with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and was sanctioned by USA Track and Field (Potomac Field).

The 100 BMGWDC held the event to highlight their health and wellness programs aimed at educating area youths about the dangers of childhood obesity. During the track meet several mobile units were on hand to provide health care screenings to the athletes, parents and spectators. Educational information on health challenges negatively impacting minority communities like high blood pressure and diabetes were also available.  Also present was educational information on other health challenges like high blood pressure and diabetes that are having a negative impact on minority communities.

“We all know that there are large disparities in health care prevention and treatment in minority communities,” said Jesse Parker, Health and Wellness Chair, 100 BMGWDC. “The challenge is finding other more engaging ways besides community health fairs to introduce them to prevention and educational health care materials, screenings and solutions.”

Tommie Smith and the 100 Black Men have teamed up in four cities (Bay Area, Louisville, New Orleans and Washington DC) to help in the fight against childhood obesity. Nearly 30 teams competed today bringing a total of 780 track and field athletes and nearly 600 spectators. The Washington DC area was the largest inaugural event ever for the Tommie Smith Youth Track Meet. Teams came as far away as New York City to participate and support the event.

“About six years ago while I was in California, it came to my attention that kids as young as 10 years old were being prescribed high blood pressure medicine,” said Tommie Smith. “As a former educator and athlete I realized the need to increase my efforts to educate and promote healthy lifestyles through physical fitness.”

The 100 BMGWDC reported that response for the youth track meet was unprecedented all of the events and spectators stands were sold out. Part of the proceeds from the event went to fund the DC Speed youth track team’s trip to the Summer Junior Olympics.

“We were able to accomplish a few objectives today, while creating a fun atmosphere for the youth in our community,” said Michael Melton, President of the 100 BMGWDC. “We will work to make the Tommie Smith Youth Track Meet a permanent part of our health and wellness programs’ fight against childhood obesity.”      

Visit our Photo Gallery to see pictures from this event.

Click here to see the meet results.