AMATEUR ATHLETIC UNION OF THE UNITED STATES INC - Team VA

Team Vault Assault, led by 2x Olympian, silver medalist, and world champion Lawrence “LoJo” Johnson, is an athletic development team with an emphasis on the pole vault and track and field. LoJo, a 7x US National Champion, former American Indoor/Outdoor Record holder, and current NCAA record holder began Vault Assault in 2008 to build a small team of young athletes with a strong desire to pole vault. Since then, Team Vault Assault has produced numerous HS state champions and national finalists, as well as several collegiate and post-collegiate athletes who earned national and conference titles and records. Over 75% of the athletes who have trained at least two seasons with Vault Assault earn collegiate athletic scholarships. (Check out one of Team Vault Assault’s current college recruiting highlight video here. )

Currently based in northeastern Philadelphia, The Vault Assault Community Outreach Project (working title) is ready to begin the next leg in the Vault Assault mission which is to promote, support, and establish pole vault safety, training, and consistent performance. The Vault Assault Community Outreach Project will utilize a unique approach to training for the pole vault regardless of a school’s financial resources to supply equipment for “non– revenue” sports. This training has proven safe, effective, and beneficial.

Additionally, Vault Assault Community Outreach participants will also receive online video support via Vault Assault’s Online Training Support. Vault Assault’s Online Support is an exclusive beginner and intermediate pole vault support and training guide for aspiring vaulters who may be limited by facilities and resources.

As you may know, the pole vault is the most dangerous and expensive event in track and field. Thus, many times overwhelmed, unqualified, or unsupervised coaches and/or athletes provide support in training and competition settings. Additionally, pole vaulters require poles that are specifically rated by weight (the stiffness of the pole) and length (9’ – 17’). The costs of poles vary from $300 - $600. Proper vaulting equipment (pads, standards, etc.) prove just as expensive ranging from $6,000 - $25,000. (The average cost of participation in the summation of all track and field events is less than a third of the average participatory cost of the pole vault.)

This fundraising campaign will support the Vault Assault Community Outreach Project by providing poles, equipment, supporting materials, training apparatus, and performance opportunities to reduce the barriers of entry into the pole vault.

As a young black high school student in an inner-city community, my hope and aspirations to attend college rode solely on opportunities provided through athletics. As a young pole vaulter, I was forced to realize the financial challenge of access to poles, safety education, and fundamental skills which bars the participation of many financially challenged children and student athletes.

It was only after a move to another school district with better resources that I had access to poles (appropriate for my weight and size) and support which would launch my collegiate and post collegiate & Olympic success. As I continued through college as one of a handful of black collegiate athletes and one of three black professional pole vaulters worldwide, I was a constant witness to opportunities lost due to an institution’s lack of investment into one of the most charismatic and mesmerizing events in track and field.

As the only Black American vaulter to win a US title and the only black athlete in the world win a world championship or Olympic silver medal, I am graciously indebted to share and spread my experiences in hope that more doors of opportunity can be opened for all.

Your support provides teaching and training resources to many student athletes who will use high school athletics to boost them into institutions of higher learning. My appreciation and gratitude will be enhanced by appreciation and pride of a myriad of students who will become participants in the Vault Assault Community Outreach Project. We are all thankful for your consideration and support.
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Team VA is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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Please help support Team VA's Community Outreach