By Felicia D. McDaniel, Sports Editor

Over 150 Bay Area kids hit the track field at Pittsburg High School last Saturday to take part in the Eddie Hart Olympian Track/Education Clinic.
    The clinic was a reunion of sorts for the half-dozen Olympians who came from as far as New York not only in support of their fellow athletes, but to teach boys and girls ages 8–18 about the fundamentals of running and the importance of education.
    The Olympians taught the kids a crash course in events including the long-jump, hurdle, high-jump, discus and shot-put.

    “The clinic is my way of giving back,” said Hart, a Pittsburg native and NCAA champion in the 100 yards in 1970 and gold medal winner of the 4x10 meter relay at the 1972 Olympics. “Something like this has never been done.”
    Although the kids had their share of fun, they also learned about the importance of setting goals and having self-value. Hart ensured that representatives from Bay Area community colleges were on hand to provide information packets to parents.
    “I want them to understand the importance of what it means to get a good education,” said Hart, a UC Berkeley graduate. “By providing such information, they will be prepared when they head into high school and college. Too many of our kids are not aware of the scholarships available, and sometimes don’t have the grades needed to receive them.”
    Some of the Olympians present were current world record holder in the long jump Mike Powell, Wyomia Tyus ’64 and ’68, John Carlos ’68 and Rosie Bonds ‘64, aunt of Giants slugger Barry Bonds.
    “Kids learn by example. It’s important for them to stay focused and never give up on their dream,” said Bonds, a 1964 Olympic 80-meter hurdler. She is also the American record holder in the U.S. for that event.
    Re’Van Gravley, 10, who came all the way from Sacramento, said she enjoyed herself at the day-long event. She has aspirations of becoming an Olympic runner, just like her hero Marion Jones.
    “Education is the key to success,” said John Carlos, whose clinched fist in the 1968 Olympics will forever be remembered. “It is important to develop skills academically and athletically.”