Tommie Smith Youth Initiative
The Tommie Smith Youth Track initiative calls attention to the urgent need for structured fitness programs for our youth. Our children face a health crisis that must be addressed immediately. Childhood obesity is pervasive, youth violence is commonplace, and our children are not reaching their potential. We feel that structured sports programs can help nurture and empower young people.

That’s why each summer, as a part of the initiative, the Louisville Department of Public Health & Wellness partners with the Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville Metro Parks, the YMCA, the University of Louisville, the Office of Youth Development and area track clubs to hold the Tommie Smith Youth Track Meet for youth ages 5 through 18.

Tommie Smith won the Gold Medal in the 200 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.  Mr. Smith has organized track and field meets as well track clubs for youth in Oakland, Calif. and Paris France.  Smith gained worldwide prominence when he and teammate, bronze medal winner John Carlos, raised gloved fists during the medal ceremony to protest racial discrimination in America.  The photo of this nonviolent demonstration became one of the iconic images of the 1960s and 70s.

The Tommie Smith Youth Track & Field Meet is an initiative under the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement and the newly established Center for Health Equity in the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness  For more information call 502-574-8045 or email us. Scholarships may be available.