Three of the major Relay Carnivals in the USA have agreed to include in their competition program an Olympic qualifying division. The Texas Relays – Austin, Texas, March 31, April 3, The Mt. SAC Relays – Walnut, California, April 16-17 and the famous Penn Relays – Philadelphia, Penn., April 23-24, will include in their competition program the 4x100 and the 4x400 relays for countries that are trying to qualify for the Olympic Games in Athens.

As you all know, the top 16 relays (the average of the top two times) in the world at the time of the closing of the qualifying period (July 21st) are the ones that will be invited to compete in Athens. Since, there isn’t that many opportunities for our countries to compete in relays an agreement was reached with the relay carnival’s directors to schedule the Olympic qualifying division. Although, the objective is to give an opportunity to our member federations to qualify in the relays for the Olympics, there will be other events open to any athlete from any country that is trying to qualify.

If any member federation would like to send a delegation to any of these meets they have to enter on time and secure their own accommodations and traveling arrangements. I encourage the members to contact the meet directors, as soon as possible. Visit the web page of each of the relay carnival to obtain the entry information and schedule of events.

Please contact the following Meet Directors:

TEXAS RELAYS: Doug Wilson at texasrelay@athletics.utexas.edu. Or by fax at (512) 471-0714. You could also visit their web page at www.directathletics.com.

MT. SAC RELAYS: Scott Davis at sdavis@ibm.mtsac.edu. Tel (909) 594-5611, ext. 4840, fax. (909) 594-4266 and www.events.mtsac.edu.

PENN RELAYS: Dave Johnson at (215) 898-6154 or fax. (215) 573-2797 or www.upenn.edu/relays.

This is a great opportunity for our members to send their relays and athletes to compete to meet the Olympic standards.

Kind regards,

Victor Lopez

President