World-class speed is coming to San Antonio, Texas, this summer when more than 300 athletes from 32 countries compete in the 2002 POWERade North America, Central America & Caribbean (NACAC) Under-25 Track & Field Championships, August 9-11, 2002.

The competition, which features 45 track and field events, will take place at E.M. Stevens Stadium on the campus of Trinity University. Hosted by the San Antonio Sports Foundation, the event is sanctioned by the NACAC organization and USA Track & Field.

“We look forward to all of our member NACAC countries sending a full roster of competitors to this meet,” said Amadeo Francis of Puerto Rico, president of NACAC. “This event will allow unprecedented opportunities for these young athletes to compete in a world-class, international athletic event. In fact, the meet serves as a bridge between the World, Pan Am, area and national junior championships and the elite competitions (Golden League, Grand Prix, etc.) to which all these athletes aspire. We certainly expect to see several of these faces at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.”

"It is an honor to host the federations of our region," said Bill Roe, President of USA Track & Field. "Based on the knowledge and enthusiasm of the San Antonio Sports Foundation, we know San Antonio will stage a terrific event." "We are committed to sending our best athletes between the ages of 20-24 to San Antonio," added Craig Masback, CEO of USATF. "The competition will be extraordinary." “We are delighted to welcome the athletes, coaches and officials from our fellow NACAC countries,” said Dr. Susan Blackwood, executive director for the San Antonio Sports Foundation. “The San Antonio local organizing committee and our hundreds of friendly volunteers are eager to stage a solid technical meet and to share the spirit of San Antonio with our visitors.”

This is only the second NACAC Under-25 Track & Field Championships. The first competition was held in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2000. “It is our goal to establish the NACAC Under-25 Track & Field Championships as a premier showcase for the talented athletes who qualify,” explained Francis.

Tickets for the 2002 POWERade North America, Central America & Caribbean Under-25 Track & Field Championships will be priced at $10 each day with a 3-day event pass available for $20. Children eight years old and younger will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by a ticketed spectator. Tickets and general information are available online at www.sanantoniosports.org and by calling (210)820-2100. Media inquiries may be directed to Mary Japhet at (210)820-2123 or mjaphet@sanantoniosports.org.