Dear Valued ACSM Constituents,
In the midst of what can only be called surreal times, we hope you're staying safe and well. Life threw us all a major curveball this Spring. The world as we know it has changed due to COVID-19; this crisis has touched critical areas of our lives and has deeply impacted ACSM members. While these realities are hard to grapple with, it is equally true that we have seen incredible resilience by our members. It is in that spirit and resilience that we write to you today with an update and an appeal.
Although we are living in uncertain times, it is important that we continue to fund the ACSM research programs that directly benefit our members and advance scientific discovery. Your support allows ACSM to deliver on the promise of its mission to enhance the role of exercise science and sports medicine in achieving healthier individuals and communities. Under the newly passed CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, all taxpayers are entitled to take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for their contributions, regardless of whether you itemize or not[1]. ACSM encourages members to pass along all or part of this deduction in support of the outstanding programming the ACSM curates. Contributions can be made directly to the ACSM Foundation at this link.
Even in this season marked by COVID-19, ACSM continues to support our members. Adopting new methods, the 2020 Annual Meeting content is now available through ACSM’s 2020 Virtual Experience. As a result of the generous contributions from ACSM members and corporate partners, the ACSM Foundation awarded 22 members travel awards and 20 research grants Listed among the grant and award recipients were:
- Javier Zaragoza, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, receiving the GSSI - ACSM Young Scholar Travel Award
- Lauren Westervelt, University of Arkansas, receiving the Dr. Priscilla Clarkson Undergraduate Travel Award
- Holly Clarke, Florida State University, receiving the ACSM Foundation Doctoral Student Research Grant
- Eric Williamson, University of Toronto, receiving the Gail E. Butterfield Nutrition Travel Award
A list of all of award-winning individuals can be reviewed by clicking here. These individuals represent the pipeline of members who continue to make ACSM one of the leading and authoritative voices in the fields of exercise science and sports medicine.
As we move forward, please be assured that the member-leadership and staff at ACSM are interested in the well-being of all our members and are available to assist you. If needed, please feel to contact ACSM for support on all matters related to exercise science and sport medicine!
Sincerely,
Walt Thompson
Chair, ELEVATE Campaign
Jim Pivarnik
President, ACSM Foundation
cc:
Jane Senior, Executive Director, ACSM Foundation
Glenn Bosch, Vice President, Advancement
[1] Please consult your tax professional for advice regarding the CARES Act.