GRAAF

Miranda Melville – July 27, 2016

Miranda Melville, a 2007 Rush-Henrietta graduate, has earned a spot on the 2016 USA 20K Olympic Race Walk team after winning a silver medal at the USATF Olympic Trials June 30 in Salem, Oregon. She is one of only two women in the USA to make the race walk team. Earlier this year she won the USA Outdoor Championship in Eugene, Oregon. In 2012, she missed qualifying for the London Olympic games by just under 3 seconds.

Miranda says she is “ living on Cloud 9. I am so proud of everyone who competed. I can’t thank my coach, all my friends, family and teammates enough for making this moment so wonderful.”

Meghan Musnicki – July 27, 2016

Meghan Musnicki will be representing the USA at the Summer Olympics in Rio, rowing in the Women’s Eight event. She won Olympic Gold as a member of the Womens’ Eight team in 2012 and Gold in the Eight and Bronze in the Pairs in the World Rowing Cup II in Lucerne, Switzerland in June. 2016 marks the 7^th time Meghan has been selected to the National Team and will be her 2^nd Olympics.

As an Olympic hopeful for the 2016 USA Track and Field Team, much of my success comes from the Greater Rochester Amateur Athletic Federation. For over 4 years now, the GRAAF has helped support my dream of becoming an Olympian. It is hard enough trying to make an Olympic team just based off of athleticism alone, but when you throw in all the other life and environmental barriers that get in the way, it can feel impossible. The GRAAF has helped abolish some of those barriers in my life. They have helped me towards working to the best of my potential and capabilities. They have made what some would deem impossible, so much more realistic.

Due to the substantial amounts of generosity from the GRAAF, I am faster than I ever have been, ranked higher in the U.S and in the world than I ever have. I have been able to travel, train, and compete in countries all over the world. They have helped me qualify for multiple USA Track and Field teams, where I have been able to represent my country and my hometown, Rochester, with pride. They have made access to resources, that are necessary for an elite athlete, much more available.

The GRAAF has made a large and positive impact on my life. I am incredibly thankful I found such a wonderful organization to help me to grow as an athlete, and follow along with me on my venture to qualifying for the Olympic team.

Miranda Melville

Olympic Hopeful for the 2016 USA Track and Field Team

GRAAF checks made a direct impact in my life as an Olympic hopeful and then as an Olympian. What people do not understand is that not all athletes are sponsored by Subway or Nike. Many of us fund our own way to our dreams.

I used to receive a GRAAF check and it would go directly to paying for my travel expenses, otherwise everything would go onto a credit card.

Training for the Olympics is a full-time job and funding is crucial to being able to make it to the ultimate goal of representing your country in the greatest competition in the world.

Iris Zimmermann

Olympic Foil Fencer

$340,000+ Total Dollars Awarded
77 Athletes Assisted
13 Became Olympians
100% of Your Donation Goes Toward Athlete Grants
32 Years Serving & Supporting Amateur Athletes

Since 1983 the Greater Rochester Amateur Athletic Federation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has given almost $340,000 to help athletes reach their greatest potential. We believe everyone who is willing to devote their lives to become a national hero deserves a chance to compete at the highest levels.

Chasing an Olympic dream costs a great deal of time, but also a great deal of money. Coaches, travel, lodging, equipment, trainers, and other expenses add up fast and in the United States hopeful athletes have to pay for their own expenses until they qualify for the Olympic team which can be $20k per year for 4-5 years.

If you are inspired by our vision we encourage you to take action today. Donate and/or sign up to join our list of volunteers. Together we can support the childhood hero of the future.