13 athletes, 11 organizations received grants this year

A philanthropic fund dedicated to supporting young athletes and community organizations from across the Olympic region has announced its 2024 slate of grant recipients.

The Uihlein-Ironman Sports Fund (UISF) at Adirondack Foundation awarded $33,890 to 13 athletes and 11 community organizations this year. The fund was established by the Henry Uihlein II and Mildred A. Uihlein Foundation, the World Triathlon Corporation, and Adirondack Foundation to help athletes from Lake Placid and the Olympic region achieve their sports dreams and supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and municipalities working to foster and promote life-long sports and healthy lifestyles for local kids.

In the nearly 20 years since being established in 2005, UISF has awarded over $600,000 in grants.

“Now more than ever, it’s important to support a level playing field for young people with big dreams and to ensure everyone can participate in sports and outdoor recreation,” said Martha Bullock, a member of the UISF committee. “The Uihlein-Ironman Sports Fund has been helping athletes realize their dreams on the national and international levels for almost two decades. We remain committed to making sure financial obstacles don’t prevent athletes from reaching for the stars. We’re also proud to partner with the many local organizations and programs that get people outside and active. Everyone should have the opportunity to explore and enjoy what our region has to offer.”

The athletes who received UISF grants this year will use them to pursue competition at national and international championships; several recipients will be participating in World Cup events overseas. The following athletes received support this year: Tate Frantz, ski jumping; Trey Frantz, soccer; Norah Galvin, volleyball; Sophia Kelting, Nordic skiing; Van Ledger, biathlon; Henry Loher, ski jumping; Sadie Martin, luge; Andrew Scanio, Nordic skiing; Asa Schwartzberg, Alpine skiing; Emily Sweeney, luge; Abigail Van Dorn, biathlon; Duncan Van Dorn, ski jumping and Nordic combined; and Cole VanEtten, Alpine skiing.

“The Uihlein-Ironman Sports Fund grant has given me the opportunity to fly to Soldier Hollow, Utah, to compete in Junior World Trials for biathlon this December,” said Abigail Van Dorn. “From there, I could potentially qualify for numerous international competitions. This support is helping me take my sport to the next level.”

“Over the past few years, the Adirondack Foundation has been crucial in allowing me opportunities within ski jumping and helping me develop as an athlete,” said Tate Frantz. “Their generosity helps make it possible to travel and compete around the globe. It is an honor to represent not only the country, but also my hometown of Lake Placid.”

The organizations, schools and municipalities receiving UISF support in 2024 include Adirondack Health Foundation, Community Ski Club of Lake Placid, Lake Placid Outing Club, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Paul Smith’s College, Saranac Lake Central School District, Saranac Lake Civic Center, Saranac Lake Nordic Ski Club, Saranac Lake Youth Baseball and Softball Association, town of Tupper Lake and the United States Luge Association.

“The Tupper Lake Youth Nordic Ski Club has doubled in size over the last few years,” said Laura Labarge, the town of Tupper Lake’s recreation director. “Due to grants like those awarded by the Uihlein-Ironman Sports Fund, we have been able to offer more rental equipment and scholarships to youth of families in need. We’ve also added a transportation option to practices from our elementary school. This past season, we took our first ski club field trip to Mt. Van Hoevenberg, where our skiers were exposed to new trails, new types of skiing and athletes who have made this sport their life’s purpose.”

To learn more about the Uihlein-Ironman Sports Fund, contact Adirondack Foundation Funds and Program Officer Leslee Mounger at leslee.mounger@adkfoundation.org. To learn more about Adirondack Foundation, visit adirondackfoundation.org.