For up to date information, please visit our USATFGA calendar at www.usatfga.org or the national calendar at www.usatf.org or contact Youth Chair Jacqui Collins.

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Atlanta Track Club 50th Anniversary Member Social - 1/9/14
Olympic Marathoner "Meb" Keflezighi was the featured guest speaker to a packed house at the Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta on January 9, 2014.

In his address, Meb discussed the many obstacles he and his family had to endure through the years. Keflezighi was born in Eritrea (Ethiopia), but fled the war-torn country with his family when it became too dangerous to live there.  Meb recounted their brief stay in Milan, Italy where he was first exposed to television at the age of 10 years.  He recalls how the television was not like the flat screens of today but big and bulky, and how he walked around to the back of the television to see if there were people inside.  In 1988, Meb's family migrated to San Diego.  He talked about language barriers, friends he had lost and injuries he had endured. It was a very inspirational presentation. But as Meb summed it up - the U.S. is a land of opportunity and  he and his family have worked hard to achieve their dreams.

Keflezighi has participated in three Olympic Games for Team USA, winning a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Games Marathon.  He also placed first in the 2009 ING New York City Marathon.

The Social was attended by President Inez Finch, Executive Vice President Ian Dube, VP of Communications Marlene Atwood, and Coach Ron Williams.  Many other USATF members were also in attendance.

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Appointments/Elections Announcements 

• President Inez Finch was re-elected as USATF South Zone Rep for the USATF National Youth Athletics Division Youth Committee at the USATF Annual Meeting in December 2013.  Jacqui Collins was voted as alternate.
• VP of Communications Marlene Atwood was appointed to a 4 year term on the USATF National NABR Panel (National Athletics Board of Review).    

Volunteers Needed 

• Bylaw Committee Members - Please contact President Inez Finch
• Grievance Pool Members - volunteers to serve as needed on any potential grievances the Association may receive.  Please contact President Inez Finch 
• Publix Marathon Volunteers - help the Georgia Association by volunteering to work a water station on race day or volunteer at the USATF booth at the Event Expo.  Please contact VP of Communications Marlene Atwood.