Sudlersville, MD — The Harness Horse Youth Foundation continues its efforts to utilize forward-thinking individuals as trustees of its 15-member board. In recent trustee elections, joining incumbents Adam Bowden, Corey Callahan, and Allison Conte will be Olivia Kimelman of Gardiner, N.Y., and Caroline Vazquez of Wellsville, Pa.

Olivia Kimelman. HHYF photo.

Kimelman brings a depth of HHYF understanding which can hardly be matched. From her participation at the introductory level to leadership and volunteer activities and representation of HHYF at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, she thoroughly understands the mission and the programming.

“When I most think of my most influential life experiences, I find that HHYF is responsible for several. From public speaking, networking and a love for harness racing, HHYF played a role in all of it. Even with a family immersed in the sport, I am not sure I would have stayed as involved in the industry if I hadn’t attended that first camp in 2007. I want to make sure that the next generation gets to experience these life lessons while also giving back to one of my favorite organizations. I can’t think of a better way to do this than being an HHYF trustee and I am motivated to serve.”

Vazquez brings innovative viewpoints to the board as well.

Caroline Vasquez. HHYF photo.

“The future of harness racing lies in the next generation. HHYF is a great program for this reason. Not only does it draw young fans into racing, but also provides scholarships and other opportunities for graduates. I am excited to be working with the rest of the board, using my perspective as someone who did not grow up in the industry, to look for new ways to grow the presence of the organization outside of the camps, and to look for ways in which breeding farms, the other side of the industry, can become more involved as well.”

The board will convene in early January with plans for a morning session of brainstorming with facilitator Christy Landwehr and its annual face-to-face meeting in the afternoon.

The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is a charitable 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing young people and their families educational opportunities with harness horses in order to foster the next generation of participants and fans. The Foundation has been making a difference in young people’s lives since 1976; its programs include interactive learning experiences with racehorses as well as offering scholarships and creating and distributing educational materials relating to harness racing.

For more information on opportunities through HHYF, or to support its mission, go to www.hhyf.org.