Pennies & Wristbands for Tori

Tori Franklin (DGS class of 2011) is on a quest to become the 2nd former DGS athlete to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.  A committee has been established consisting of members of Tori Franklin’s family and Downers Grove South coaches Tim Pinnick and Mike Farthing in support of a Go Fund Me page created in February.  The goal of the group is to raise $2,500 to assist in covering expenses associated with her training and meet participation leading up to the U.S. Olympic Trials.  The effort began a week ago and will extend up to the beginning of the Trials in July.

Tori ended her stellar collegiate career at Michigan State as a 3-time Big Ten Conference Triple Jump champion (conference indoor record holder in the event), and a 4-time first team All-American.  In March at the USA Indoor Championships she had a personal best jump of 13.66 meters (44 feet 9 inches), qualifying her for the Trials.

There are two distinct campaigns that will be visible during the DGS Invitational this weekend.  It is our hope that you will participate if you can in some small measure.

Pennies for Tori.  Participants are encouraged to fill an empty plastic bottle with coins.   Anyone can pitch in–individuals, groups, schools, businesses, organizations.   For your part at the meet, there will be plastic bottles located at the concession stand and at the display table set up and manned by a committee member.  There you can deposit any pennies you bring with you, or those you receive in change at concessions.  There will also be a special container for anyone who wants to contribute other coinage or bills that will be converted into pennies.

Wristbands for Tori  A number of wristbands have been purchased and will be available to anyone donating one dollar or more.  They come in the school colors of many of the participating teams and can be found at the aforementioned display table.  Inscribed are the words “We Support Tori!” and “2016 Olympic Trials”.

Supporters who have donated the required amount and use social media are urged to post their support on Tori’s Facebook page with a picture of themselves or their wrist and a few words of encouragement, and/or tweet a picture using the hashtag #Tori2016Trials.

For more information contact Coach Pinnick 630 913-7688.