100% of all donations collected went directly to supporting elite track & field athletes and the Foundation’s Run With US! youth program
PITTSBURGH, PA, July 27, 2016 - The USA Track & Field Foundation, in partnership with GNC, a leading global specialty retailer of health, wellness and performance products, raised over $85,000 during a month-long fundraising and awareness campaign at more than 4,300 GNC stores across the U.S. The USA Track & Field Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track & field programs, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes, and distance training centers. The USA Track & Field Foundation, launched in 2005, assists dedicated, aspiring world-class athletes of any age to realize their potential and dreams.
GNC customers and associates, along with a donation of $10,000 from the GNC Live Well Foundation, which is committed to a world where everyone can pursue a healthier life through education, research and nutrition, raised over $85,000 in support of these athletes.
"“As the leader in global performance solutions, we are thrilled to have again partnered with the USA Track & Field Foundation to help send our world class track and field athletes to Rio,” said GNC CEO Mike Archbold. “I want to send a special thanks to our GNC customers who are as dedicated as we are to living well, as they helped pave the way for these athletes to reach their ultimate goal."
The support for the USA Track & Field Foundation and its athletes-in-training came as the world’s attention turns to the 2016 Games. As the only privately funded team, the athletes supported by this campaign were in great need of financial assistance. Over 30 athletes from the USA Track & Field Foundation sponsorship roster qualified to compete in Rio this summer and this money will help provide funding for medical expenses, travel, and equipment. These elite athletes train tirelessly for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and many are doing so while living under poverty level.
The joint campaign was dedicated to help the USA Track & Field Foundation greatly expand its Elite Athlete Development and Run With US! programs. The hope is that athletes who are training for international elite competition will have the means necessary to realize their dreams and simultaneously have opportunities to give back in their communities -- inspiring kids with their stories of dedication and strength. 100% of all donations collected went directly to USA Track & Field Foundation programs.
In addition to assisting elite athletes, funds also support the USA Track & Field Foundation’s Run With US! program. Run With US! launched in 2012 and uses American heroes -- our track & field athletes -- to inspire kids to get fit, make healthy choices and set and achieve their goals. As part of the program, our nation’s best track & field athletes visit schools and community centers, where they teach kids track & field skills and talk about the importance of fitness, nutrition, and making positive choices.
Bob Greifeld, Chairman of the USA Track & Field Foundation stated, "The USA Track & Field Foundation is forever grateful to GNC, GNC’s dedicated customers and the GNC Live Well Foundation for their support and continued efforts in this pivotal year. This is the boost our athletes need to be able to compete at the top level we all expect from America’s team.”"
About USA Track & Field Foundation
The USA Track & Field Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes, and distance training centers. The USA Track & Field Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors, major gifts and from generous fans of track & field.
Elite athletes are supported by the USA Track & Field Foundation via monetary grants and participation in Run With US! Youth athletes are supported via monetary grants to youth clubs.
For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, visit USATFFoundation.org or contact Tom Jackovic at (412) 398-2484 or tom.jackovic@usatf.org
About GNC
GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC) - Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA - is a leading global specialty health, wellness and performance retailer.
GNC’s foundation is built on 80 years of superior product quality and innovation. GNC connects customers to their best by offering a premium assortment of health, wellness and performance products, including protein, performance supplements, weight management supplements, vitamins, herbs and greens, wellness supplements, health and beauty, food and drink and other general merchandise. This assortment features proprietary GNC - including Mega Men®, Ultra Mega®, Total LeanTM, Pro Performance®, Pro Performance® AMP, Beyond Raw®, GNC Puredge®, GNC GenetixHD®, Herbal Plus® - and nationally recognized third-party brands.
GNC’s diversified, multi-channel business model generates revenue from product sales through company-owned retail stores, domestic and international franchise activities, third-party contract manufacturing, e-commerce and corporate partnerships. As of March 31, 2016, GNC had more than 9,000 locations, of which more than 6,700 retail locations are in the United States (including 2,340 Rite Aid franchise store-within-a-store locations) and franchise operations in approximately 50 countries.
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