ABQ Team FIT Promotes Track & Field

Albuquerque, NM – Mayor Richard Berry, and the City of Albuquerque, Parks and Recreation Department announced today a partnership called Albuquerque Team for Indoor Track or "ABQ Team FIT".

The partnership includes the Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department, UNM, ACVB, USA Track and Field, and two non profit organizations, Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) and Great S.W. Track and Field.

"This provides an excellent opportunity for the Albuquerque track community to come together and promote track and field for youth, amateur athletes, college athletes, and national competitors," Mayor Berry said. "The University benefits tremendously from this partnership because college and high school meets with be held at this venue. I am also proud to announce the first annual Special Olympics New Mexico Indoor Track Invitational."

The installation of the City owned Indoor Track at the Albuquerque Convention Center allows for the UNM indoor track season to occur right in downtown Albuquerque. The partnership will also allow for two open competition days; the Great Southwest Indoor Track and Field Carnival scheduled for February 13 and the SONM Mayor’s Indoor Track Invitational scheduled for February 20.

"Special Olympics New Mexico is honored to be a part of ABQ Team FIT," SONM Executive Director Randy Mascorella said.  "Our athletes have not had the opportunity to compete on an indoor track.  This will not only be a learning experience for them, but it will teach everyone who is in attendance that in Special Olympics it’s not about winning or losing, but about celebrating the abilities of each athlete and what they bring to the race - regardless of the outcome."

The season will conclude with the Mountain West Conference Championships, the NCAA Division II Championships and the United States Track and Field Championships February 27 and 28 which will be televised by ESPN.

All UNM meets are open to the public for a fee of $5. The Great Southwest Indoor Track and Field Carnival scheduled for February 13 is an Open meet including Master’s, College/Elite, High School, Area Recreation Center Relays, Coaches and Sportscasters events. The entry fee for all athletes is $10 for each event excluding relays. The SONM Mayor’s Indoor Track Invitational is free and open to the public.

For more information on the Indoor Track and for a schedule of events, contact Albuquerque Parks and Recreation at (505) 764-1510.

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