Ells Angel's Coach Swims, Bikes, and Runs Her Way to a World Champion!

Cheers fill the auditorium of Berry Creek Middle School, as students shout “Tam, Tam she’s our mam, if she can’t do it, no one can!” Youth Foundation PwrHrs participants have convened to congratulate coach, mentor and Xterra World Champion, Tamara Donelson for her recent win at the World competition in Maui, Hawaii last week. Donelson was one of four local athletes who finished well in last weekend's Xterra World Championships: Donelson, Josiah Middaugh, John Klish and Brad Zoller.

Donelson was the first amateur woman to cross the line, and 14th overall among the women. “To know Tam is to truly admire and love her!” said, Anne-Marie Desmond, Girl PowHER coordinator at The Youth Foundation.

Donelson, and husband Brett, both trainers at the Westin Riverfront Club, have been instrumental in developing and implementing The Youth Foundation’s newest program, Girl PowHER and creating and coaching the mountain bike team, Ells Angels.

Through a wide variety of physical activity, nutrition and guidance, Girl PowHER unleashes potential and provides infinite possibilities for middle school and high school age girls, and as a result, creates a new culture of fit, confident, self-reliant, smart young women!

“I know first hand how hard she has worked and we are extremely proud of all that she has accomplished. To win a world championship is a dream that is now realized!” said Desmond.  The Donelson’s have big plans for Girl PowHER and Ells Angels this winter, where they will help to kick off a snowshoe team with middle schools girls and are regularly training and doing yoga with the girls to stay fit and keep them moving.

“Tam rocks! She is such an inspiration to all of us,” Yoanna Gonzolez comments about her Ells Angels Coach. Gonzolez,  a member of the Ells Angels and actively involved with Girl PowHER, led the students in cheers and helped to organize the celebration honoring Donelson.

“We can’t wait to see what’s in store for Tam in the future! Whatever it is, she is already a hero in the eyes of girls and women all around the valley and beyond,” said Desmond.

Coinciding with the Xterra World Championships, the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association awarded both Brett and Tamara the 2011 Outstanding Employee Award, which recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to keep property operations thriving in this state and demonstrate a commitment to community. The Donelson’s received the award and were recognized among hundreds of nominees for their volunteerism and support of Girl PowHER and Ells Angels.

“What a life-changing experience for our young ladies to have the opportunity to work with a world-class athlete and world-class trainer in this incredible environment,” noted Susie Davis, Director of The Youth Foundation. “Tam and Brett’s endless passion is contagious and has not only inspired the girls, but all the volunteers and supporters as well.  While both Brett and Tam are world-class winners, the real winners are the girls who they mentor,” said Susie.

Katie Santambrogio, Communications Director