June 2018 - James Bryant

Congratulations to our June Volunteer of the Month, James Bryant. James has been an Atlanta Track Club volunteer for the past eight years. He is currenty a pastor, but was previously an educator for over 20 years. You can find him sharing his passion for teaching this All Comers Track & Field season at the high jump pit.

Do you remember your first time volunteering with Atlanta Track Club? What event was it and what brought you back? Volunteer of the Month

I started volunteering with Atlanta Track Club at the AJC Peachtree Road Race. I came back because of the excitement. I saw adults, kids, and lots of people from all backgrounds having fun. I saw them enjoying themselves and I enjoyed myself too. That’s why I keep coming back. I’m an outgoing person, so volunteering is an outlet to meet new people and stay busy. I had run the AJC Peachtree Road Race before and that inspired me to start volunteering.

What is one of your favorite Atlanta Track Club events? Why?

This is a hard question to answer, there are so many. If I had to choose one, it would be the Atlanta’s Finest 5K, One Mile & 50m Dash. I get to see the men and women that help protect the city. It’s inspiring to see the cadets from the Police Academy out there participating. For me, it’s interesting to see the new gadgets the police use to protect us. For example, at the 2017 Atlanta’s Finest 5K, the police force landed a helicopter from their fleet at Pemberton Place for all the participants and volunteers to see.

What is one of your best memories from volunteering at any race?

My best memory is the first time I volunteered at the Rise Up and Run 5K, One Mile & 50m Dash. I saw children out there competing and accomplishing their goals. It was great to see them interact with the mascot, Freddie Falcon. I’ll admit that I enjoyed meeting Freddie, too.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Atlanta Track Club? What brings you back?

My favorite thing about volunteering with Atlanta Track Club is meeting new people and seeing the different faces of people that are running the races. I like how diverse Atlanta Track Club races are and how different the events are from each other. Each race has a different theme and personality. I like volunteering at a cheer zone and seeing some familiar faces that I’ve seen at other race as well as newcomers. I’ve even seen people that I went to high school with at Atlanta Track Club events.

Do you have a favorite volunteer assignment? If so, explain?

I enjoy handing out T-shirts at the finish line of the AJC Peachtree Road Race. I get to see the first and last runners come through and get their T-shirts. In this spot, I’ve been privileged to hear different stories from participants about why they run and whether it’s their first time. I now a part of the story and get to hand them the shirt they have been working so hard to earn.

Do you do any volunteering in the community beyong Atlanta Track Club? At which organizations?

Hosea Feed the Homeless, Grady Foundation, Outreach at Church, Stacey Abrams for Governor and Election Polling Places

What do you do for a living? Do you work? Are you retired? Professional volunteer?

I am an early retiree. I was an educator and coach for over 20 years. I taught math coached little league and high school football. Volunteering has been a way to do something with myself and stay active in the community.

Tell us something interesting about yourself – an interesting fact or a story that will help us get to know you…

I am a very outgoing person and love to be around people. I like to do anything to see a smile on people’s face because that’s what makes me smile.

Volunteer of the Month Update

Volunteer of the Month

Mizuno strives to be Atlanta's essential and reliable running brand, and in 2018 they're making a commitment to YOU, the essential and reliable volunteers who make our 30+ events and programs possible. Beginning in January, they'll provide the Volunteer of the Month with seasonal apparel and discounted footwear to make all those hours spent on your feet more comfortable. We can't wait for next year!

Previous Volunteers of the Month

"Volunteer of the Month" began in March of 2015 with the launch of our new website as a way to honor and recognize our amazing Atlanta Track Club volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Congratulations to our Volunteers of the Month and thank you for all that you do!

May 2018 - Tomica Holmes

April 2018 - Linda Bode Phinney

March 2018 - Jess and Walter Kolis

?February 2018 - Marylyn Sabol

January 2018 - Jennifer Grunbaum

December 2017 - Carol Dell

November 2017 -Nisa Sommers

October 2017 - Susan Porteous

September 2017 - Carol Gsell

A ugust 2017 - Sandra Smith

J uly 2017 - Bill Royston

June 2017 - Shirlene Stafford