from the U.S. Harness Writers Association

Harrisburg, PA — The United States Harness Writers Association is the world’s oldest organization for harness racing communicators, but it’s always open to new ideas and new members.

At their 2018 annual meetings in Orlando, Fla., USHWA directors approved the introduction of a Youth Membership category. This non-voting category was designed for aspiring harness racing media members, 21 years of age and younger.

USHWA Youth Membership Committee Chair Melissa Keith is pleased to welcome the first three youth members. The organization’s three newest members were nominated by their local USHWA chapters.

Nathan Bain was nominated by the Canada chapter. One of the youngest race callers in North America, he handles social media at Ontario’s Leamington Raceway. Bain joined Dresden Raceway as an on-track host, handicapper, and social media coordinator this year.

Jessica Hallett was nominated by the Florida chapter. She is a writer who has contributed to the Harnesslink site for nearly a year; chapter president Steve Wolf notes that one of her articles even went national. Hallett is also a member of the U.S. Trotting Association’s Youth Committee.

Ryder Skinner was nominated by the Delaware Valley chapter. He was the first applicant for youth membership in USHWA. Chapter president Matt Sparacino says, “He is always eager to engage racing participants and is no doubt a true fan of the game, who is very likely a future member of the harness racing workforce in some capacity.”

USHWA will offer one year of complimentary youth membership dues to Bain, Hallett, and Skinner, thanks to the generosity of Tim Konkle (2017 Dan Patch USHWAn of the Year; editor of Midwest Harness Report).

USHWA Youth Membership is an ongoing pilot project for the media organization. Future plans involve learning more about the goals of the inaugural trio of youth members; developing ways for chapters to support their youth members’ aspirations in the sport; and making the Youth Membership category a helpful resource for tomorrow’s racing media.

For further information, visit www.ushwa.net, or contact committee chair Melissa Keith (mkeith71@gmail.com or via @USHWACanada on Twitter).