MEADP Applications Open

The MEADP may seem like just another acronym.  It won't mean much to most of you, but can be very important to a few.  While many of us enjoy watching our elite athletes perform, there's not a pervasive understanding that nearly all these aspiring Olympians do not start out with a "steady job" or anything resembling financial security.

Elite athletes live a "hand-to-mouth" existence.  Liz Podominick, for example, has had to do periodic fund raisers to be able to continue her pursuit of her Olympic dream.  She's not alone.

Groups, such as Team USA Minnesota, have been created to ease that financial burden on these emerging elites, but even the Team USA Minnesota athletes  have to do other jobs on the side to be able to pursue their chosen "profession."  Just as actors often spend much of their time waiting on tables while they are working to get that first big break that will propel them to stardom,  the same financial struggle is there for aspiring athletes.  Which is why programs, such as the Minnesota Elit Athlete Development Program, was created.

Twin Cities In Motion, the Minnesota Distance Running Association, and Grandma’s Marathon, Inc. have joined together to supply the modest stipends that are given out to selected athletes.  The money goes to post-collegiate athletes and the application process has begun. Athletes can visit the MEADP web site and download an application HERE.