Over 30 race tracks across the U.S. will celebrate the 4th annual “PDJF Day Across America” on Sat., July 29. This is a day of fun, fundraising, and awareness-building with each track working with its local jockey colony to engage fans and patrons.

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) was incorporated in the spring of 2006. It was a collaborative effort of many leaders in the horse racing industry, including race tracks, jockeys, horsemen, and many others who had a vision of a program that would bring much-needed financial assistance to a group of athletes who have given so much to the sport of horse racing.

The PDJF is governed by an independent board comprised of stakeholders from a broad cross-section of the horse racing industry.

The mission of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund is to promote awareness of the needs of permanently disabled jockeys through public advocacy; to provide financial support to permanently disabled jockeys to help defray everyday expenses associated with living with a catastrophic injury; to provide financial support and assistance in obtaining medical coverage for permanently disabled jockeys; and to promote medical research dedicated to reducing catastrophic injuries within the horse racing industry.

Many tracks will be hosting jockey autograph sessions. Some other scheduled events include:

A 5k run/walk will be held through the grounds of Arlington Park the morning of the 29th with all proceeds benefiting the PDJF. Contact organizer Joel Campbell for details: 847-372-6276;

At Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Shelbyville, IN, jockeys will compete in a foot race and a tug of war, and get wet in a dunk tank;

Jockeys at Prairie Meadows, Altoona, IA, will be wrestling in sumo suits.

PDJF invites all media, tracks, jockeys, and fans to use Twitter hashtag #PDJFDay throughout the day and to follow us on Twitter (@PDJFund) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/jockeysfund) to keep up with all the festivities across the country.

Edited Press Release