Four Hardin County high school track and field athletes have been invited to participate on the USA track and field national team by Down Under Sports. 

They will participate in a maximum of five events during a three-day meet in Australia in July 2018. Each qualified to participate because of their age and outstanding performances during the 2017 track and field season. They will join 296 other track and field athletes from across the nation in the Down Under Games. 

Representing Ada High School are:
• Nora Dellifield (pole vault), sophomore, daughter of David and Jami (Cavinee) Dellifield;
• Abbie James (800m, 1600m, 4 X 800m, 4 X 400m), sophomore, daughter of Andy and Yvonne (Lowe) James; and
• Miguel Jordan (4 X 200, 4 X 400, 4 X 800, 400m, 800m), junior, son of Dustin and Jessica (Gonzalez) Jordan.

Representing Riverdale High School is:
• Emma Carter (100m, 4 X 100, 4 X 200, Long Jump), daughter of Scott and Lisa (Sheldon) Carter, and she plans to continue her career at the collegiate level.

Ada Coach Tyler Craig says of the Ada athletes, “It has absolutely been a privilege to be their coach. All three Ada athletes are extraordinary young people with tons of talent who have worked very hard and are very deserving of this honor. I couldn’t be more proud of them and can’t think of anyone that I would rather have representing our community.”

The athletes are hoping that the Hardin County Community will get behind their efforts to represent the State of Ohio on the national team. 

The cost is $5,000 for each athlete, which includes airfare, meals, and all accommodations while in Australia.  If each athlete can raise $700 by December 15, they will be eligible for a $500 scholarship from Down Under Sports. 

Tax-exempt donations can be made payable to the Dream Time Foundation, and given to any athlete. The athletes are available to come and speak at your civic organization before and after their trip.

A variety of fundraisers will also be held throughout the coming months. Please contact any athlete or parent for more information. For questions, contact Jami Dellifield at [email protected] or 419-889-9264. 

Down Under Sports believes that sports is the international language common to all countries and people around the world that it can help remove cultural and international barriers.

Therefore the mission of Down Under Sports is to promote the growth, development, and self-esteem of the individual athlete through sports to raise the level of awareness and competition to the benefit of both the host country and the participating athlete. Visit www.downunderports.com for more information.

PHOTO:
(L-R) Emma Carter, Nora Dellifield, Abbie James, and Miguel Jorda