U.S., Chinese athletes to compete at Hershey meet
Posted Thursday, 22 June, 2006
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY - News) today announced that it will host an exhibition track and field meet between members of Team USA and Team China, an exciting preview of Beijing 2008. The competition will take place on August 5, 2006, during the annual Hershey's Track & Field Games North American Final Meet in Hershey, Pa.
Participants from Team USA will include the following Olympic and World Champion athletes:
* Justin Gatlin: 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist -- 100m
* Monique Henderson: 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist -- 4x400m Relay
* Sanya Richards: 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist -- 4x400m Relay
* Bershawn Jackson: 2005 Outdoor World Champion -- 400m Hurdles
"We're proud to host this historic event and bring some of the world's greatest athletes to Hershey," said Tom Hernquist, Senior Vice President, Global Chief Growth Officer, The Hershey Company. "This exhibition between members of Team USA and Team China will help set the stage for Beijing. Hershey has been committed to youth fitness for 30 years, and we're thrilled to add this great competition to Hershey's Track & Field Games."
Hershey's Track & Field Games has served as a launching pad for several top Olympic athletes and World Champions including Justin Gatlin, Monique Henderson and Bershawn Jackson. This year's North American Final Meet will enable the 540 participants to compete on the same track as elite athletes from Team USA and Team China.
"I am one of the many athletes who has used this program as a springboard to reach the highest level of track and field competition," said Gatlin. "Hershey's Track & Field Games gives kids the opportunity to do more than experience the thrill of an international competition. It illustrates to young athletes that hard work and dedication can lead to great rewards. I am thrilled to be associated with The Hershey Company in this wonderful program, and excited to be participating with my teammates in the exhibition with Team China."
Over the past 30 years, more than 10 million children from the United States and Canada have participated in Hershey's Track & Field Games.
Started in Charleston, W.Va. as a playground track and field program by Dr. Donald P. Cohen, Hershey's Track & Field Games has become the largest youth sports program of its kind in North America. For nearly 30 years the mission statement has remained the same: "To provide a quality recreation and school program where children have fun and are introduced to physical fitness through basic track and field events such as running, jumping and throwing."
The Hershey Company provides funding for the program, and sponsors include USA Track & Field, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and Athletics Canada.
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