Bill Vanos, President of the Track Shack Youth Foundation, is pleased to announce that the Foundation’s Board of Trustees recently awarded $22,550 to 27 area schools and organizations that provide health and fitness education and encourage young people to participate in a wide range of sports and fitness related activities in Orange, Seminole, Brevard and Osceola counties.  These funds were awarded based on the grants that were submitted from each organization with a detailed explanation of their fitness program and the youth that the program supports.

The most recent grant recipients and their exceptional programs include the following schools and organizations.

• Lawton Chiles Middle School, Oviedo, Cross Country and Track
• Milwee Middle School, Longwood, Cross Country & Track and Field
• Innovation Middle School, Orlando, Physical Education program
• Eastbrook Elementary School, Winter Park, Eastbrook Cross Country Club
• Sterling Park Elementary School, Casselberry, Screaming Eagles Track Team
• Sabal Point Elementary, Longwood, Running Club
• Idyllwilde Elementary, Sanford, Running Club
• Wilson Elementary School, Sanford, W3 Meet/WES Cross Country Club
• John W. Evans Elementary School, Oviedo, Evans Running Club
• Dommerich PTA, Running Tribe, Maitland, Dommerich PTA, Running Tribe
• Roosevelt Elementary PTO, Cocoa Beach, Roosevelt Playground Replacement
• Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School, Winter Springs, Bear Run
• Oviedo High School, Oviedo, Cross Country
• Colonial High School, Orlando, Colonial Cross Country
• Edgewater High School, Orlando, Boys Track & Field
• Edgewater High School, Orlando, Girls Track and Field
• Winter Springs High School, Winter Springs, WSHS SWIM
• Celebration High School, Kissimmee, Girls weightlifting/Track and field
• Olympia High School Wrestling Team, Orlando, Olympia Wrestling Team
• New Dimensions High School, Kissimmee, Boys and Girls Cross Country and Track Team
• College Park Athletic Association dba Orlando Babe Ruth, Orlando, Financial Aid for Youth Athletes
• South Orlando Rowing Association, Orlando, South Orlando Rowing Association
• Central Florida Gliders, Inc., Altamonte Springs, Fall Running Program
• Divine Mercy Catholic Academy, Merritt Island, DMCA Charger Athletics
• Lake Nona Healthy Kids Running Series, Orlando, Lake Nona Healthy Kids Running Series

“Contributions from the community enhance the Foundation’s mission to provide support to running and other fitness programs,” said Vanos.  “These programs keep the children in our community active and healthy while also promoting healthy lifestyle choices.”

In addition to individual contributions, financial support of the local organizations is also made possible by runners and walkers who actively take part in Track Shack’s local running events. Race proceeds positively impact the community and improve the quality of life for so many. 

Founded in 1994, the Track Shack Youth Foundation’s purpose is to promote lifelong health and fitness emphasizing youth and running programs in our Central Florida community. To date, over $2 million has been committed to the local community, supporting a variety of different programs.  The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that was founded by Jon and Betsy Hughes, co-owners of Track Shack and Track Shack Events, and is managed by a Board of Trustees who have an interest in and dedication to the mission.  To find out more about the Track Shack Youth Foundation, to donate or apply for funds, please visit www.trackshackfoundation.org .