Win With Integrity Program

Background

Win With Integrity logo The Win With Integrity program is a USA Track & Field (USATF) program initiative aimed at educating youth, parents, educators, and coaches about the positive results that come from leading a physically active, drug-free lifestyle while living with integrity. A program in which the champions of track and field work directly with young people around the nation, the Win With Integrity program has evolved from a start-up program in 2004 into one of USA Track & Field's most successful initiatives.

Members of Team USA including '08 Men's Teams Manager James Li, '08 Women's coach Jeannette Bolden, '08 Women's Teams Manager Rich Torrellas, Shameeka Marshall, April Steiner, Aretha Thurmond, Joanna Hayes and emcee Lewis Johnson, as well as Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy dedicate a friendship tree outside the Sheldon Community Center in Eugene. The golden rain tree was dedicated to the victims of the May 12th earthquake that shook the region of Sichuan, China killing thousands of people. "On behalf of USA Track & Field, it's athletes and coaches, the children of the Sheldon Community Center and the City of Eugene, we plant this tree to honor those who were lost on May 12. Let this tree be a symbol of our friendship and may both grow and prosper during this Olympic year and beyond."

Program Content

The Win With Integrity program includes the introduction of the participating athletes by a USATF emcee, who also provides background on the goals and themes of USA Track & Field and of Win With Integrity, stressing the importance of active, drug-free lifestyles and good decision-making. The USATF Year-in-Review Video is then played, providing visual motivation for the students and displaying the excitement of our sport and athletes. Following the video, athletes engage in an interactive question-and-answer session with students, focusing on the key themes of good sportsmanship, the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, and the need to avoid drugs. The program concludes with the recitation of the Win With Integrity program pledge (see below) and an athlete autograph session.

When available, the program is held inside an auditorium, where a Win With Integrity program banner is displayed across the stage. As students file into the auditorium, they are handed a Win With Integrity pledge card. At the end of the program, participants recite a pledge indicating their commitment to be active and drug-free. USATF staff script the program and suggest athlete talking points based on feedback from local educators and the Win With Integrity pledge.

The "Win With Integrity" Pledge

I pledge to make good decisions in my life.
I will be an enthusiastic and positive person.
I will live with integrity every day;
I will lead a healthy, active lifestyle.
I will take pride in my successes on the playing field and in the classroom;
I will be honest and drug-free, knowing cheaters never win.
I am a Champion!

Photo Galleries

More Information

For more information on the Win With Integrity program, e-mail Susan Hazzard.