L-R Angelo Baca (Dine'/Hopi) Jason King (Dine') Kyle Gokliah (white Mt. Apache) Mike Daney (Choctaw) Haskell Brave Mascot (Inter-tribal) Bryan Waatsa (Zuni Pueblo) Torry Zeller (Sioux) Theo Round Face (Crow/Sioux)

By: Michael Daney | February 15, 2012

“Improving the quality of life, one Native at a time.”

Sports Warriors Track Club has a simple mission; to support Native American running at all levels, from recreational to elite.  One of our motto’s, “Improving the quality of life, one Native at a time.”

SWTC is aware of the under representation of Native American runners competing at U.S. national championship level.  In addition, very few have been selected to compete for the U.S. at International running events, including the world championships and the Olympics.  One of our goals is to change that through our support and collective knowledge of running, health, fitness, nutrition and athletics.

One national event SWTC participates in each year, representing Indian country, is the USTAF Club National Cross-country championships.  This event draws the best club teams across the U.S., in which many teams have individuals whom are considered national or elite status runners.  Individuals who have been supported by the SWTC have also competed in USATF national championship events, and have in the past been selected for U.S. world teams.

We partner with other fitness and health organizations to promote healthy lifestyles in tribal communities.  Two of our partner organizations are; the “Just Move It” program and Native Health Initiative.”  Many of the SWTC members are former or current college athletes with educational background in a many health related areas.  Our group does have the ability to go into tribal communities and conduct health, wellness, prevention, and athletic camps that are developed around the community’s needs and wants.

The SWTC established the Native American 5K National Championship.  This event was created to provide a championship event exclusively for U.S., Canadian and Alaskan tribal members.  But keeping with our mission, we also provide youth and kids events and an open race for non-tribal members.  It is our goal to provide a fitness event that allows the entire family the opportunity to participate together.  The race is a USATF sanctioned race and the course is certified.

Although the SWTC is located out of Albuquerque, NM, our membership is open nationally.  If there is anyone interested participating with our club, we are welcome to entertain your interest.  Because SWTC understands the power of education, we do strongly encourage that continuing SWTC participants participate in collegiate athletics, (depending on age) and show a plan of working towards professional educational certification or a college degree if they have not already attained one. For more information please visit http://www.sportswarriorstc.com