HISTORY
In the spring of 1997, the East End Flyers were born as a collaborative effort of the Doris Miller Community Center and the C. Waldo Scott Center for HOPE. The first year saw 12 young athletes ranging in age from 6 to 13 years old compete in local practice meets against other area track teams. The youth also competed in the local, district and state Hershey Track & Field competitions. Since 1998 the athletes have competed in track & field meets sanctioned by the AAU and USA Track & Field Organizations while continuing to compete in Hershey Track & Field meets.
For over 10 years, the FLYERS have continued to encourage athletes to strive to reach their personal best not only in track and field, but in school and life in general. We are committed to assisting in the holistic development of the athlete, focusing on discipline, academics and life. Our mission is to make a positive impact in the lives of the youth on the Peninsula, by reaching those that could be labeled at risk and socially or economically challenged, by allowing them the opportunity to travel, socialize, compete athletically and learn skills that will enhance their physical fitness, personal growth and experiences. The FLYERS can proudly boast having the most knowledgeable, decorated, and dedicated volunteer coaching staff in the area. We participate in community outreach and education activities, and established an academic scholarship for our athletes in 2005.
Our young athletes have traveled throughout Virginia, as well as to Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, South Carolina, Iowa and Michigan. The team has competed in state, regional and national track & field championship meets and over the years, has had countless State champions, over 25 Regional champions, and taken more than 100 athletes to the Junior Olympics.
BOOSTER CLUB
The Booster Club was created at the beginning of the 1999 track season by the coaches and a small group of dedicated parents, many having youth athletes that had been with the team from its inception. The parents realized the rapid growth and successes of the team also meant that there would be additional fundraising needed to support all the youth. In the earlier years, the coaches handled all the facets of the team to include fundraising, coordinating transportation, and athlete memberships, as well as their standard coaching duties. While the coaches still carry most of the responsibility for the team, the Booster Club holds fiscal responsibilities as well as those outlined below:
Conceive, coordinate and manage all fundraising activities Encourage and maintain high parent participation Assist in travel and transportation coordination Act as liaison between coaches and parents on administrative issues Coordinate and administer community service, scholarship and outreach activities Work with coaches in identification and financial assistance for youth athletes unable to pay entry fees Each Booster Club officer and member has pledged their commitment to the team, the coaches and youth athletes to make this season as great as the others.
COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES
One of the goals of the East End Flyers is to improve the lives of those in our community. In support of this goal, the Flyers have implemented the following community service activities, in addition to the athletic aspects of the Team:
Athletic Sponsorships (formally Adopt-An-Athlete)
The Team has long recognized that every family cannot afford the costs of participation. Since the Teams inception, it has paid fees for athletes with financial need. The coaches originally incurred the costs for these athletes; it was added to the Teams budget in 2003. (Formal Implementation - 2003)
East End Track & Field Club Scholarship Program
The scholarship recognizes graduating Flyers athletes who exemplify the ideals of the East End Track and Field Club and embody the FLYERS SPIRIT. These athletes have an admirable work ethic, have excelled in track and field, have a strong academic record, and a desire to continue their studies at the post-secondary level. The scholarship recipient is formally recognized at our end-of-season banquet in August. (Formal Implementation - 2005)
Holiday Blessings
The Team participates in the Doris Miller Community Center Holiday Blessings program by providing holiday gifts for children from the surrounding community. (Formal Implementation - 2002)
Thanksgiving Baskets
The Team assembles and delivers Thanksgiving baskets to families in need, as identified by the Doris Miller Community Center and the C Waldo Scott Center for HOPE. (Formal Implementation - 2002)
These activities are included in the budget each year and are financed through the teams fundraising efforts, as well as private contributions from our coaches and parents.
