Feb. 27, 2012
By Chardonnai Johnson, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - On Feb. 23, 2002, sophomore Kevin James Dare dashed down the runway, planted his pole, and soared into the sky during the Big Ten Indoor Men's Track Championship. Tragedy struck as Dare hit his head on the metal vault box and Penn State lost one of its own.
Now, 10 years after Dare's tragic death, the Kevin Dare Foundation is continuing his legacy by helping athletes with incapacitating illnesses and injuries.
"The foundation officially started in 2004," said foundation sponsor Anne Szefi, "His parents wanted his passing to have some kind of meaning."
Since its founding, the foundation has made giant leaps forward in pole vault safety. In addition to advocating awareness of the dangers of the sport and stricter safety regulations, the Foundation also urged the use and development of the first pole vault helmet and the first Softbox.
"Those were the firsts and the more tangible accomplishments," said Szefi. "It's a lot harder to show the awareness accomplishments, but we just want people to know the dangers of the sport."
The mission of foundation has since then changed focus. Instead of centering on how Dare passed away, the foundation's mission now caters to how he lived his life.
"It's been all about safety before now," said Szefi. "It's been all about how he died, but his parents wanted to build a more lasting legacy that was true to who he was."
This new mission is accomplished through scholarships and fundraisers. So far, they have helped six athletes to achieve their academic and personal goals through their scholarships and plan to continue financially supporting even more.
The services provide help to athletes with incapacitating illnesses and injuries to achieve their academic goals despite the challenges of their health situations. To be eligible for a scholarship, you must be a high school athlete that suffered from a debilitating illness and also plan to attend a four-year institution.
The scholarships are the Kevin Dare Memorial Fund Scholarship and Life Back on Track Scholarship. Both represent Dare's true legacy of "integrity, inspiration, and indomitable spirit" said Szefi.
"I never met him, but I feel like I know Kevin," said Szefi. "When he went after something, he went all the way. That takes spirit. His legacy is to root for someone and see them reach their goal."
The foundation not only provides financial support, it also gives out the Kevin Dare Heart of Lion Award to outstanding athletes in track and field. Coaching Staff members nominate an athlete and the winner is determined from the nominees. Two athletic nominees that represent good sportsmanship, courage, and leadership receive the award at the Kevin Dare Invitational in January.
Additionally, they are planning the Kevin Dare Foundation Life Back on Track World Record Memorial Run to garner support for their scholarship initiatives and overall goals. Starting from the plant box where Dare lost his life at the University of Minnesota and ending at Penn State's track facility, the run will attempt to break the 1,000-mile world record.
The run will be done by a team of 10 elite athletes that will attempt to beat the 99 hours, 3 minutes, and 27 seconds record that stands now.
"We want more people to be aware that this foundation exists," said Szefi. " We want athletes to know they have this support system. This run is a great way to do it."
Although Dare is no longer here physically, he lives on in his foundation as an inspiration to athletes everywhere.
"This [foundation] is who Kevin was," said Szefi. "He helped people. He wasn't afraid to give a hand to somebody going through a rough time."
The Kevin Dare Foundation not only offers support, it gives hope that no matter what obstacles someone might face, they can still accomplish their academic goals and get life back on track.