President's Corner

To all our supporters, athletes, coaches, sponsors, and volunteers.
The late Jimmy Buffett once wrote a song “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season.” Let us all turn our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the devastation of the recent hurricanes. Please consider donating to one of the many non-profits collecting supplies or consider a monetary donation to assist those who have lost everything.

We held our Big “O” Memorial Golf Tournament last month, and a wonderful time was had by all. The weather was great, and the big rains held off until after the round. Our friend Ken Prickett had a hole in one and great prizes were handed out. Mark your calendars for next year September 18^th 12 noon at The Hanging Rock Golf Club.

We are continuing to plan for the Star City Half Marathon, 10K and Kids Fun Run on November 23. We are seeing increasing participation again this year and the post-race party is a blast. Register now to join the fun.

This month our “Spotlight Article” features Taren McCoy. Taren is the William Fleming High School Girls Cheerleading Coach. For the past five years we have invited Taren and her team to our Star City races. The girls encourage our runners at the start/finish line and stay until the last runner comes in. The award-winning team are valued ambassadors to our community.

As always, we appreciate your support and participation. Continue to train, practice, and prepare and I look forward to seeing you all out there!

Best wishes!
Dan Foutz

Annual Owen Grogan Memorial
Golf Tournament

Thanks to all our teams, sponsors and volunteers for helping to make our annual golf tournament a success. Jeff Alder’s Team (LU Athletics) won the tournament for the 4th year in a row.

Also placing at the top of the leaderboard was Blue Ridge Beverage, WSET ABC13, Bill Mercer & Team, and Salem Parks & Rec. 
 

Virginia Amateur Sports Receives 2024 Grants

VAS received a grant from the Don and Frances Giles Fund to support the Inclusive Sports Movement Program, which provides opportunities for participation during the Commonwealth Games, targeted to those disadvantaged with special needs and disabilities. Events included Able baseball, Able fishing, Able Track & Field, Able wheelchair tennis, and other sports during the Virginia Commonwealth Games.
 

The Sports Matter Program, presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation breaks down barriers  for young athletes, and underscores the company’s commitment to fostering access to sports and activities for all, regardless of their backgrounds.

Through a Sports Matters grant, the Brunswick High School Track team and their families were provided the opportunity to travel for participation in the Commonwealth Games at Liberty University and to be a part of the Opening Ceremonies and Tailgate festivities. The Lynchburg store hosted a pep rally to cheer the team on and show their support.                        

The Virginia Tourism Corporation Special Events & Festivals Program assists with targeted marketing and production of
established special events and festivals that have a significant and positive economic impact on Virginia's local communities.  The VTC partnership offers several funding programs using research-based and measurable marketing plans to drive visitation in Virginia.

Through the VTC grant, VAS was able to leverage additional Virginia Commonwealth Games promotions and marketing opportunities including statewide billboards, digital media and production.
 

Cheering Past the
Finish Line

When the runners in the Star City Half-Marathon and 10k take off at the starting gun on Nov. 23, they will be cheered on by more than just friends, family, and onlookers. Actual uniformed cheerleaders will be on the course offering encouragement and boosting morale for the race participants.  

Every young lady in her William Fleming High School uniform will be cheering for every runner. The cheerleaders will be at the beginning of the race,  stationed around the course, and at the end as the final push to the finish line.

“We cheer on each runner,” said William Fleming cheer coach Taren McCoy. “We will stay there until the last one finishes. Our goal is to propel those runners, to motivate them, and cheer for them doing their best.”

This will be the fifth year the cheerleaders have come to the event to provide vocal support, even when it is tough to get out there. The cheerleaders were on the racecourse early last year, despite returning home from a playoff football game several hours away in the wee hours of Saturday morning. (Read More)
 

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Upcoming Special Events

Dick's Sporting Goods Coupons

Win-Win!

Deadline to buy tickets is November 23 at 11am