Post by Okwes on May 9, 2007 14:18:54 GMT -5
Navajo Elite Runners to 2008 Summer Olympics?
Posted by: "Kapoonis1959@aol.com" Kapoonis1959@aol.com anahooey
Sun Feb 4, 2007 3:16 am (PST)
_www.navajoeliterunners.org_ (http://www.navajoeliterunners.org/home.htm)
/home.htm
Group, Web page set up to support runners
By Candace Begody
Special to the Times
Window Rock, Ariz. Feb. 1, 2007
The official Web site for the Nideiltihi Navajo Elite Runners Inc., dedicated
to both Brandon Leslie and Alvina Begay, world-class distance runners and
Olympic hopefuls for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, was
launched Monday.
Found on the Web at navajoeliterunners.org, bios of both runners, career
highlights, current sponsors, articles of incorporation, a guestbook and photo
album, information about training expenses, and a donation and comments link
are featured.
The NNER, currently seeking nonprofit status through the Internal Revenue
Service, is incorporated, which allows the promotion of both individuals through
the NNER site and fundraising through the Internet.
Potentially, as a nonprofit organization, supporters will be able to donate
funds through PayPal, a link on the Web site, on behalf of the runners as a
tax-deductible contribution.
Following stories of both Leslie's and Begay's financial struggles in the
Navajo Times, former Miss Navajo Karletta Chief, a student at the University of
Arizona, said she felt it was unfortunate to see Navajo runners, who are
trying to make history, struggling financially.
"I can't help them with a lot of money," she said, "but I can offer them my
technical and organizational knowledge."
Chief said she used her contacts gained through her reign as Miss Navajo to
get others to volunteer time and contribute to the establishment of the Web
site.
Tisha Shurley, of Pinon, Ariz., a Web site designer for Navajo Customs Design
in Tucson, was among several who offered their services.
"This is a great vehicle to funnel all the support for the both of them," she
said. "It's a one-stop for supporters to find out more about the runners and
how they can help."
Chief added that as a traditional component to the Web site, she and a
colleague came up with the name "nideiltihi."
"When our people used to go to war," said Chief, "there would be scout that
would run ahead of the war party and so of course he had to be a fast runner.
So that's where the name comes from.
"Also just the proud-ness in not just running, but athleticism too," she
added. "I'm sure there are going to be more Brandons and Alvinas coming up. You
already hear stories about young Native runners who are fast and there needs
to be a way to help them.
"It's so important to support them at this level because they are role
models," Chief said. "We don't have to look up to Michael Jordan or Lance
Armstrong anymore...we have Brandon and Alvina."
More information and photos of the runners, statements by Leslie and Begay,
and a letter sent to the Navajo Nation president late last week will be posted
as well, according to Melody Varner of Flagstaff, Begay's sports agent and
Leslie's financial manager.
"...Unlike their competitors, Brandon and Alvina, do not have the top-notched
resources at their fingertips," the letter states. "Whereas their
competitors are completely focused on their training and running, they are distracted
by financial barriers.
"They struggle to obtain professional services that could make a difference
in an Olympic setting where fractions of seconds can determine winning or
losing!" the letter states.
"This letter was to demonstrate to these officials why Alvina Begay and
Brandon Leslie could be considered for such support," said Varner.
According to Varner, as of Tuesday there was no response from the Navajo
Nation and tribal officials.
"I am just so grateful that there has been Navajo people who have reached out
to help make that Web page a reality," said Varner. "I believed we could
have a Web page and create a nonprofit organization to support Navajo elite
runners.
"I believe that the Navajo Nation, the chapter house officials, and tribal
council members will still rise to the occasion," she continued, "to reach out
to support these two runners and future Navajo elite runners in taking the
path to their Olympic dream."
Information: navajoeliterunners.org
Posted by: "Kapoonis1959@aol.com" Kapoonis1959@aol.com anahooey
Sun Feb 4, 2007 3:16 am (PST)
_www.navajoeliterunners.org_ (http://www.navajoeliterunners.org/home.htm)
/home.htm
Group, Web page set up to support runners
By Candace Begody
Special to the Times
Window Rock, Ariz. Feb. 1, 2007
The official Web site for the Nideiltihi Navajo Elite Runners Inc., dedicated
to both Brandon Leslie and Alvina Begay, world-class distance runners and
Olympic hopefuls for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, was
launched Monday.
Found on the Web at navajoeliterunners.org, bios of both runners, career
highlights, current sponsors, articles of incorporation, a guestbook and photo
album, information about training expenses, and a donation and comments link
are featured.
The NNER, currently seeking nonprofit status through the Internal Revenue
Service, is incorporated, which allows the promotion of both individuals through
the NNER site and fundraising through the Internet.
Potentially, as a nonprofit organization, supporters will be able to donate
funds through PayPal, a link on the Web site, on behalf of the runners as a
tax-deductible contribution.
Following stories of both Leslie's and Begay's financial struggles in the
Navajo Times, former Miss Navajo Karletta Chief, a student at the University of
Arizona, said she felt it was unfortunate to see Navajo runners, who are
trying to make history, struggling financially.
"I can't help them with a lot of money," she said, "but I can offer them my
technical and organizational knowledge."
Chief said she used her contacts gained through her reign as Miss Navajo to
get others to volunteer time and contribute to the establishment of the Web
site.
Tisha Shurley, of Pinon, Ariz., a Web site designer for Navajo Customs Design
in Tucson, was among several who offered their services.
"This is a great vehicle to funnel all the support for the both of them," she
said. "It's a one-stop for supporters to find out more about the runners and
how they can help."
Chief added that as a traditional component to the Web site, she and a
colleague came up with the name "nideiltihi."
"When our people used to go to war," said Chief, "there would be scout that
would run ahead of the war party and so of course he had to be a fast runner.
So that's where the name comes from.
"Also just the proud-ness in not just running, but athleticism too," she
added. "I'm sure there are going to be more Brandons and Alvinas coming up. You
already hear stories about young Native runners who are fast and there needs
to be a way to help them.
"It's so important to support them at this level because they are role
models," Chief said. "We don't have to look up to Michael Jordan or Lance
Armstrong anymore...we have Brandon and Alvina."
More information and photos of the runners, statements by Leslie and Begay,
and a letter sent to the Navajo Nation president late last week will be posted
as well, according to Melody Varner of Flagstaff, Begay's sports agent and
Leslie's financial manager.
"...Unlike their competitors, Brandon and Alvina, do not have the top-notched
resources at their fingertips," the letter states. "Whereas their
competitors are completely focused on their training and running, they are distracted
by financial barriers.
"They struggle to obtain professional services that could make a difference
in an Olympic setting where fractions of seconds can determine winning or
losing!" the letter states.
"This letter was to demonstrate to these officials why Alvina Begay and
Brandon Leslie could be considered for such support," said Varner.
According to Varner, as of Tuesday there was no response from the Navajo
Nation and tribal officials.
"I am just so grateful that there has been Navajo people who have reached out
to help make that Web page a reality," said Varner. "I believed we could
have a Web page and create a nonprofit organization to support Navajo elite
runners.
"I believe that the Navajo Nation, the chapter house officials, and tribal
council members will still rise to the occasion," she continued, "to reach out
to support these two runners and future Navajo elite runners in taking the
path to their Olympic dream."
Information: navajoeliterunners.org