“Running is a way of life.” For 48 years coach Al Jennings has taught this mantra to aspiring athletes at the Trenton Track Club, including Trenton’s own Olympic gold medalist, Athing Mu. Mr. Jennings will bring his message of perseverance, discipline, learning and fun through running to the Kiwanis Club of Trenton during a special lunch hour presentation on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. The public is invited to attend the presentation, which begins at 12:15 p.m. at Leonardo’s II restaurant, 2021 U.S. Highway 1, Lawrence, NJ 08648.
Jennings saw Athing Mu’s talent early on and is recognized as the mentor who inspired her to reach for the gold. Athing called it a “medal mentality” which propelled her to become the first U.S. woman since 1968 to win the gold in the 800-meter race during this past summer’s Tokyo Olympics. Jennings’ work with hundreds of Trenton area youngsters has led to more than just championships, building generations of respectful, confident, responsible and social-minded young athletes.
Founded in 1918, the Kiwanis Club’s programs have supported children’s services, community events and since 1955, the Times-Kiwanis Camp Fund, which has raised over $2 million for summer camp experiences for Trenton children. In addition to the ongoing Camp Fund, current Kiwanis initiatives include “Vision Trenton,” a collaborative community effort to stimulate economic redevelopment by promoting Trenton’s extensive historic assets.
Mr. Jennings’ presentation will be accompanied by lunch prepared by Leonardo’s II head chef Justin Foushee. Guests can choose a beverage and an entrée from menu selections for $15, payable at the door. Please RSVP your attendance to Mike McCormick by November 2, 2021 via email at mccormicknj@aol.com, or phone (609) 208-9991 for more information.
