Masters manifesto circulated to U.S. group launched in Lahti
Anselm LeBourne, who organized a meeting of Americans at Lahti worlds, has updated attendees on the group’s progress. He writes: “Robert Thomas will be our representative in Indianapolis (USATF headquarters) since he’s living in Indianapolis.” And Anselm asks for a vote on a name for the outfit, writing: “You can still submit a name for the group and we will select the best name by a vote. The following names (have) been submitted: a) RACE USA – Real Athletes Creating Equality. b) UMC – USA Masters Competitors. c) UTFMC – USA Track & Field Masters Competitors. d) MAF – Masters Athletes Forever (USA). e) USAMAF – USA Masters Athletes (Athletics) Forever. f) MAFAM – Masters Athletes For All Masters (USA). g) MAFMA – Masters Association For Masters Athletes (USA). h) MOFMA – Masters Organization For Masters Athletes (USA). MAIA – Masters Athletes In Action (USA). MATIMA – Masters Athletes To Improve Masters Athletics (USA).” He also highlighted issues of concern to the group.
Anselm enumerates the issues as follows:
1. Get the USATF travel office involved with all accommodations at the World Masters Championships (WMC) to help find one airline and one hotel that meets the needs of the WMC team. Some kind of discount code for hotel and airline.
2. Massage therapist and or chiropractor for WMC through frequent flyer miles donations (Athletes can help by donating frequent flyer miles and hotel points). Hopefully, USATF will help with a food stipend for that individual.
3. Stipend for the top three places at the National Championships to be used only for attendance at the World Championships. If not going to WMC the next athlete in line will be offered the stipend.
4. Negotiations with National Senior Games to address scheduling conflict.
5. Free uniforms for athletes attending the WMC and a discounted price will be implemented if the athlete chooses to purchase additional uniforms. Uniforms will be used for two consecutive WMC (4 years).
4 Responses
Amen!!!!!
Latest note (Aug. 28) from Anselm:
All, I am doing a database of all masters emails so we can open an account with constant contact when we have to send out mass emails. Please email me with any masters athlete email that are not currently in the loop regarding our group. . . . Just so you all know that something are happening – Christel have forwarded an email to Sherry Quack with respect to the uniform issue and Sherry stated that she will investigate why many masters athlete were not made aware of the 40-50% discount on the World Masters Championship uniforms. . . . One name suggestion so far is USATFMA – If we are allowed to use the USATF acronym. If not, USAMA would be the next choice.
(Anselm’s address is alebourne@msn.com)
It would be nice if the National Championships meant something more than medals!
Great point.
I think the stipend should be extended to deserving athletes who aren’t at nationals. I was speaking with a national/world record holder today (he didn’t give me permission to mention his name) who hasn’t been to nationals or worlds, in part because of the expense.
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