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ATHLETE SUPPORT

Request Support

The Distance Project provides assistance for shoes, spikes, camp fees, travel, scholarships, and equipment for Track & Field, Cross Country, and youth running athletes.

Application

Currently limited to Carson City-Crystal athletes. More schools coming soon.

Recommended: status updates will also be sent to this address.

Sending this is not a promise of anything. Every request goes to the board, which decides on two things: whether it qualifies under the priorities above, and whether there is money in that fund at the time. Both can be no. You will hear either way.

Eligible Programs

  • Track & Field
  • Cross Country
  • Youth Running

Who comes first

There is never enough for everything, so the board decides on something rather than on who it happens to know. Households already means-tested by a school or an agency come first — free or reduced-price lunch, SNAP, Medicaid or WIC, foster or kinship care, or being between homes.

Shoes and spikes are what an athlete needs to take part safely, and go to any household under real financial strain. A GPS watch is a training aid rather than a necessity, so it goes to the households in the first group above.

Ask anyway if you are unsure. The board can and does make exceptions, and it writes down why when it does.

What We Cover

  • Competition shoes and spikes
  • Camp and clinic fees
  • Travel to meets and events
  • Training equipment
  • Scholarship awards

How It Works

1. You send the form. You get an email with a reference straight away.

2. Two directors read it. Both have to agree before anything is decided — one person cannot approve or refuse support alone.

3. We aim to answer inside two weeks. Something that needs the whole board may wait for the next meeting; if it will be longer than two weeks, we will tell you that rather than leave you wondering.

4. If it is approved, we buy the item or pay the fee and arrange handover with you. Money does not go to families.

Already Applied?

Check the status of your application anytime using just your email address. No account needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?

Currently, athletes at Carson City-Crystal participating in Track & Field, Cross Country, or youth running programs. We plan to expand to additional schools.

How long does the review process take?

We review applications on a rolling basis and most decisions are made within 1–2 weeks. You will receive an email when your status changes.

Does applying mean I will get it?

No. Applying puts the request in front of the board, and that is all it does. Two things decide it: whether the request qualifies under our priorities — households already means-tested by a school or an agency come first, and a GPS watch is held to a higher bar than shoes and spikes — and whether there is money in that fund when the board looks. We are a small charity and often there is not. A no is not a judgement about the athlete, and you are welcome to ask again later in the season.

What documentation do I need?

No documentation is required to apply. Just fill out the form with accurate information. We may follow up for additional details after review.

Can I apply for multiple types of support?

Yes. Submit a separate application for each type of support you need (shoes, travel, camp fees, etc.).

How do I check my application status?

Visit the Check Application Status page and enter the email you used when applying. No account required.