BUFFALO – More than 2,000 of the top youth track and field competitors in the U.S. will be on hand this week at the 2003 USA Track & Field Youth Athletics National Championships July 2-6 at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. The meet is an important part of USA Track & Field’s Verizon Youth Series, which features four national-championship events for young athletes in track and field an cross country over the course of each calendar year.

In order to be eligible to compete at the 2003 USA Track & Field Youth Athletics Championships, an entrant must be a U.S. citizen and born after July 29, 1984. Athletes compete in one of five age groups, determined by birth year. Those age divisions are Bantam (1993 or later), Midget (1991-1992), Youth (1989-1990), Intermediate (1987-88) and Young Men/Women (1985-86). Athletes born in 1984 are also eligible if they do not turn 19 on or prior to July 29, 2003.

“The USA Track & Field Youth Athletics National Championships give our grassroots athletes a tremendous opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes in their age division,” said Mark Springer, USATF Director of Grass Roots Programs and Planning. “The Verizon Youth Series, established in 2001, remains an important step toward shaping the next generation of champions and helping to maintain our status as the World’s #1 Track & Field Team.”

This year's meet will be the final tune-up for Team USA before they depart for Sherbrooke, Canada, and the July 9-13, IAAF World Youth Track & Field Championships.

For more information on the 2003 USA Track & Field Youth Athletics National Championships and the Verizon Youth Series, including results and complete coverage of this year’s event, visit the USATF website at www.usatf.org.

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