"Bringing together hundreds of top young athletes from around the city for healthy competition goes hand in hand with Parks & Recreation's commitment to providing first class spaces for recreational activities," said Commissioner Benepe on holding the competition at the recently renovated Astoria track & field complex.
" New York City has continuously been the stage on which so many wonderful track & field athletes compete and strive to achieve their Olympic dreams, including such greats as Bob Beamon, Diane Dixon, and John Carlos," said Commissioner Podziba, referencing three members of NYC2012’s Circle of Olympians. "We were delighted to provide this opportunity for our Olympians of tomorrow to pursue their dreams."

Athletics Olympians who have attended New York City high schools include:

Bob Beamon (1968: Gold)                                 Kenneth Bantum (1956)
Diane Dixon (1984: Gold, 1988: Silver)           Cheryl Toussaint (1972: Silver)
John Carlos (1968: Bronze)                               Reggie Pearman (1952)
Marty Glickman (1936)                                        Irv Mondschein (1948)
Vince Matthews (1968: Gold, 1972: Gold)        Abel Kiviat (1912: Gold, Silver)
Bill Jankunis (1976)                                              Matt Centrowitz (1976, 1980)
Meredith Rainey (1992, 1996)                             Meredith Gourdine (1952: Silver)

For more than 100 years, New York City has been a center for athletics--home to the Millrose Games, the nation's oldest indoor athletics meet, as well as the New York City Marathon and, most recently, the National Track & Field Hall of Fame at the New Balance Track & Field Center. New York City's athletics history also includes the 1936 Olympic Trials, held on Randall's Island, in which Jesse Owens began his journey into Olympic history.

During the two-day meet, events—which included both boys and girls divisions—included the hurdles, steeplechase, discus, pole vault, shot put and high jump, as well as various runs, relays, and dashes. Top finishers received awards provided by the New York City Sports Commission.

Astoria Park was rebuilt in July 2000, and was recently supplied with 90 hurdles, equipment for pole vault, discus and shot put, and all other necessary track & field equipment by Parks & Recreation and PSAL. The program is supported by Parks & Recreation and PSAL in cooperation with the Sports Commission. The Catholic High School Athletic Association and the Association of Independent Schools offered additional organizational support.