For the first time, a NSO is being awarded for its activities during the year of 1999.  This is a recognition of the vast improvement and success this organization has had as compared to the previous years. 

- Active and consistent publication of newsletters to keep its members abreast of its activities 

- Attempt to reverse the decline in the interest of the sport by working on young athletes and families instead of channeling all energies into elite athletes.  One example is the Family Games in Frederick, Maryland that were designed for young children as well as adults who have not run in years.  It attracted hundreds of participants in 1998 and is still was a talk of the town in 1999 that demanded a repeat performance in 2000.  Hope the 2000 event went well, too. 

- Actively pursuing deaf athletes across the nation.  That is a challenge as many athletes are in mainstreamed programs. 

- Sent a group of tracksters to Cuba for the 1999 PANAMDES Games.  That was a feat as the track group was the largest among three groups that had to raise funds on its own (basketball teams were funded by USA Basketball and wrestling group which did admirably well had three wrestlers).  Also, the tracksters at PANAMDES came from every corner of the country which made the team a truly national team.  It made the NSO's work more difficult and must be complimented. 

- Held a training weekend for a number of track and field coaches and had them certified, in partnership with the NGB, US Track and Field. 

- Continued to develop a relationship with the NGB.  Because of its work in 1999, there will be a demonstration of deaf men's 400M dash at the Olympic Trials in Sacramento this summer.  That is a breakthrough and a showcase of deaf tracksters in the eyes of hearing elite and the NGB. 

- As important as other accomplishments this NSO has done in the year of 1999, they have diligently submitted reports and proposals to the USADSF in timely manner, which helped the USADSF to secure services and resources for deaf athletes. 

We look forward to more of the same from this NSO. 

For this, I am proud to award this award to the USA Deaf Track and Field. 

Bobbie Beth Scoggins;
USADSF President