As a professional sports photographer, married to a 2x Olympian, and a concerned citizen of Atlanta, I am deeply passionate about supporting the training needs of professional athletes and Olympians who strive to represent their country at the highest level. It is disheartening to witness numerous talented individuals struggle with limited access to public facilities, hindering their ability to train effectively for the upcoming 2023 World Championships and 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Working with numerous athletes in Atlanta, I have witnessed firsthand the immense talent that resides within our community. However, many athletes face significant challenges due to a lack of accessible tracks and training resources. This petition aims to address this issue by urging local authorities and relevant stakeholders to prioritize accessibility for these dedicated athletes.

In 1996, Atlanta was the host of the 100th Olympic Games, creating a sense of pride and community for the city. Today, however, current Olympians and Olympic hopefuls based right here in Atlanta are struggling to train on a consistent basis, all because of a lack of access to existing resources. 

Take Cheney Stadium, for example, which was the official warm up track for the 1996 Games. Today, when athletes show up for training at Cheney, they are met with a 10 foot tall chain link fence and face the dilemma of choosing whether to trespass, or to forgo training altogether, at a facility which once openly welcomed many of the greatest athletes in the world. 

Unfortunately, there are many more examples like this all around the city, and our city’s youth may be receiving the worst effect of it.

According to a study conducted by The Aspen Institute's Project Play Initiative (2019), only 37% of children aged 6-12 regularly participate in sports activities. This alarming statistic highlights the need for increased support and resources dedicated specifically towards athletic development. By providing accessible public tracks, we can inspire more young individuals in Atlanta to pursue their athletic dreams while also nurturing future Olympians.

Furthermore, research from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has shown that access to proper training facilities significantly impacts an athlete's performance. Public tracks offer essential amenities such as well-maintained surfaces, specialized equipment, coaching opportunities, and a supportive environment that fosters growth.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for:

1. Increased accessibility: We urge local authorities in Atlanta to invest in creating more public tracks or renovating existing ones so that professional athletes and Olympians have ample opportunities for effective training.

2. Equitable distribution: We request fair allocation of resources across different neighborhoods within Atlanta so that all aspiring athletes have equal access regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.

3. Collaboration with sports organizations: We encourage collaboration between local authorities and sports organizations to develop programs that provide coaching, mentorship, and resources to athletes in need.

4. Long-term commitment: We call for a sustained effort from local authorities to ensure the maintenance and upkeep of public tracks, guaranteeing their availability for future generations.

Together, let's support our talented athletes by providing them with the necessary tools to excel on the global stage. By signing this petition, you are not only advocating for accessibility but also promoting inclusivity within our community.

Let us join hands and make Atlanta a city that nurtures its athletes' dreams while showcasing their potential on the world stage. Sign this petition today and help pave the way for a brighter future for our aspiring professional athletes and Olympians.

Thank you for your support!