Tom Petranoff TurboJav Mini Javelin

Special Olympics (Several states have adopted Turbojav to replace the softball-throw)
Youth and Junior Olympics
Japan Athletics
Little Athletics Australia
IAAF Youth Programs
Parks and Recreations Programs
After School Programs
Special Education and Disabled Sport
Rhode Island Middle Schools
Washington State Middle Schools
Kentucky Middle and High schools
Many countries including: Estonia, Finland, UK, Columbia, and Sweden

Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin, Finally, Throwing Zones Athletics is a global company that bring joy, happiness, and a sense of accomplishment to every child. Douglas Barksdale, Weatherford 11 - Greater Fort WorthWhen watching Douglas participate in the Turbojav competition, you notice his intense concentration and his determination to hit the bullseye. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that he is an avid bow hunter. So, aiming at a target is what he does best.Douglas is only 15 years old, but he already knows the meaning of hard work. He puts in several hours a week practicing for Special Olympics.Douglas even lifts weights to make sure his muscles are big and strong. Running is his true passion. He even asked his mom to buy him new shoes for the 2006 Summer Games, so he could run faster. Although this year is only Douglas third competing in Special Olympics Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin, Texas, hell be back next year with the same aim the medal stand!North Albany Athlete is a National ChampAaron Potter had two goals this summer. Accomplishing the first made the second a lot easier. The 12-year-old Albany boy set a national age-group record in the javelin and followed that up with a national championship.“I’d been feeling the national record all year, that I could throw it,” said Potter, who will be a seventh-grader at North Albany Middle School this fall.Competing July 21 in the Track City International Classic at Hayward Field in Eugene, he went out and took the record.His throw of 178 feet, 11 inches bested the old record by 13 feet.“I wasn’t nervous at all afterward. It calmed me down a lot,” Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin, Potter said.Eight days later, he won the midget-level javelin competition at the Junior Olympics national meet at Morgan State in Baltimore.His winning toss was 164-11, more than 24 feet better than the runner-up.Potter was also fifth in the discus at the national meet. In Eugene, Aaron said he didn’t know if his record-setting throw would be a record when he released it, but he knew it was a good one.“The national record, I felt happy when I did that because I’ve been shooting for that all year,” he said.With his goals accomplished, Aaron is already looking ahead to the national javelin record for the next age division.Potter is in his third year of competing in track and field. He first competed in the javelin in 2004 after another opportunity fell through.Aaron qualified for state in the softball throw, but his family had another commitment during the meet.Instead, he started competing in Junior Olympics meets in the turbo javelin, a Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin, smaller implement used by younger athletes to help them learn how to throw.Though he was new to the javelin, he finished fifth in the event in the JO national meet that year.Aaron, at 5-feet-3 and 146 pounds, is about average for his size but has good speed, which can be a bonus on the javelin runway.He is coached by his father Mike, an Albany physician who has a family practice.Mike competed in the javelin in high school. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics, He says he wasn’t “especially proficient,” but he knew enough of the basics to get his son headed in the right direction.Aaron has used his own natural ability from there, his dad said.Mike Potter took his son’s goal of a national record in stride, appreciating that Aaron was striving for something higher.“At first it seemed pretty far away,” Mike said. “And then as he kept improving, it seemed more than the dream of a 12-year-old.”Aaron was joined at the national meet by his brother Benjamin, 9, who competed in the bantam-level 1,500-meter racewalk.Benjamin finished fifth in 9 minutes, 19.62 seconds, almost a minute better than his second-place finish at the regional meet in Salem three weeks earlier.The entire family — also including mother Mary; son Jacob, 14; and daughter Sarah, 7 — took the trip to the East Coast, making a vacation out of it.They traveled to Philadelphia, Gettysburg and Washington, D.C., among others.Jacob won the 200 meters in his age group in the local Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics Hershey’s meet but didn’t qualify for nationals. Sarah was the state champion in the javelin in the sub-bantam division.Aaron said he enjoys competing with his siblings at the same meets.“It’s fun to see how well they do,” he said.Mike Potter is impressed with Aaron’s poise in competing in front of large crowds at big meets.He admits he’s probably more nervous than his son.“You never know how you’re going to respond to the pressure of competing in an international meet,” Mike Potter said. “He clearly feels confident with that.” Aaron said he has no problems with large numbers in the stands.“I just concentrate on my throws and black out everything and throw,” he said.Mike describes Aaron as “very determined.”“He has the ability to stick with something and get it done,” Mike said.Aaron keeps himself plenty busy. He plays the piano and is also in his school’s band, playing the clarinet and saxophone.He’s also involved with the Boy Scouts.“He spends a lot of time to perfect things and get it right,” Mike Potter said.By Jesse SowaAlbany Democrat-HeraldSPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with mental retardation, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families other Special Olympic Athletes and the community.Where TZA Fits InWe are the company that manufactures and distributes the TurboJav, and we are currently working side by side with Special Olympics worldwide to enhance the competitive experience of Special Olympic athletes through the use of our specially designed TurboJav. The TurboJav is a small, safe javelin made of high-density polyethelene that flies like the real Olympic javelin and is designed to help athletes of all abilities to train and participate in the javelin throw during all seasons. The TurboJav has already been implemented into the National Junior Olympics and in Special Olympic organizations across the country and we hope to make it an event at the National Special Olympic games. As you may know, Special Olympics started implementing TurboJav in four states in 2001 and participation has grown to nearly twenty states in just five short years. Texas and Pennsylvania are currently in the process of adding it as an event, and we are working closely with them to directly supply the product and provide training for coaches and athletes. If we can supply the TurboJav directly to Special Olympics this will save money and help us you to organize coaches training certification.There are thousands of teams around the country that Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics need equipment. At this time, the athletes have very few TurboJavs to train with. Our goal is to get at least one Special Olympic kit to each team and with your help, we will be able to see every team participate in the TurboJav event. Athletes use the 300 gram Turbo Javs for ages 15 and under, ant the 500 gram Long Tom for ages 16 and older.for information about coaches certification and clinics by the NTCA (National Throws Coaches Association). The Turbo Javelin Advantage....comparing it to the Softball throw. The Turbo javelin is safer than the softball. The soft rubber tip has much more give to it than the hard softball if it hits you. In distances under 100 feet, getting hit with the Turbo javelin is just a minor nuisance.The Turbo javelin is a bit more challenging to throw than the softball. But the athlete is rewarded with big gains in distance once he/she gets the feel for it. The softball throw doesn't build this kinesthetic awareness.
The Turbo javelin comes in multiple sizes, so athletes graduate from throwing the 300G mini-javelin to the 500G Long Tom after they turn 16. And though the 500G is a bit more challenging to control, the basic skills the athletes build with the 300G transfer over to the 500Gl. Coordinators can set up fun, challenging games with garbage cans, targets, hula hoops, etc. Use your imagination, and you'll see that athletes are so focused on hitting the targets and cans that they won't want to stop. It's these games of accuracy that give the athletes the feeling they need to throw further distances. Unlike the softball, the Turbo javelin stops where it lands. This makes it easier to administer the event. It's easier to spot where it lands, and it's easier to retrieve the implement after the throw is completed. The Turbo javelin is an official event in the USATF Junior Olympics program. We want to give Special Olympians the same opportunities as these athletes. Let's face it, the safe and multi-colored Turbo javelin is just more FUN!!!! A Picture of the State of Turbo Javelins in Special Olympics. The Turbo javelin is currently contested in several states, either as a full-time or demonstration event. We're currently speaking with PA and TX organizations to implement in those states. And our international distributors are working with other countries to talk about the advantages or throwing Turbo implements.Once it's been established in 3 regions throughout the world and 23 states within the US, the Turbo javelin can then become an official event. That means it will be competed at national and world championship meets. World's Longest Throw!The World’s Longest Throw (WLT) is an international competition involving competitors whose goal is to break the WLT team’s established throwing records.The WLT team is comprised of all types of throwing athletes.Over the past few years, the WLT team has been sponsoring throwing events for the purpose of establishing records and standards for a variety of throwing venues ranging from baseball, football, and Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics javelin to unusual objects such as fruit, bottles, and even cell phones.The WLT team is continually setting records and sponsoring events where they hope these records will eventually be broken by the world’s best throwers.Tom Petranoff, a two-time world record holder in the javelin, first established the World’s Longest Throw in the townships of South Africa.He eventually brought the competition to the United States where it has attracted a great deal of interest in proving which athlete among the various sports has the best arm.The quest or goal of the World’s Longest Throw is to find the athlete with the best arm.The team will be traveling all over the world to find the best arms both the fastest and the longest throws in the world, and we are looking for sponsors who can help us achieve our goal.About Tom PetranoffTom Petranoff, founder of ThrowingZone Athletics, is a two-time world record holder in the javelin throw. At the age of 19, Tom Petranoff threw the javelin for the first time. Six years later, he set his first world record of 99.72 meters (327 feet, 3 inches). The previous world record was 96.72 meters. Tom went on to compete in many Olympics, World Championships and elite level competitions. He was ranked in the Top 10 in the world for 10 years, not to mention #1 in the USA for 7 years. He set another world record in Finland in 1986.In 1988 Tom decided to move his family to South Africa where he then again went on to set more American and African records. There, and emotionally moved by the prevalence of disadvantage, poverty, and stigma that plagued far too many, Tom began working in the South African townships. He worked with the children who not only did not have the opportunity to see a javelin, let alone throw one, they had few opportunities of any kind. They certainly did not have the opportunity to know the joy of sport and the safe, healthful, effective understanding of it. This realization was the Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics stepping stone to Tom's conceiving the first TurboJav™. The question Tom put to himself to solve was this: How can you teach children in the best possible way? And, for Tom, the "best possible way" required an implement that promoted correct physical technique; was wrapped around activities that were fun; opened the door to other sports and healthful activities; was affordable, even to those who are without; could sidestep the barriers of disability, stigma and more to be accessible to all--and above all, was safe!For each and every one of these reasons, Tom designed the TurboJav for children (and adults!) from all walks of life. Each one of these reasons also forms the foundation on which ThrowingZone Athletics now proudly stands. The patented TurboJav was originally designed in 1991 and has since progressed through 6 different models to where it is today. Not just a safe training implement to teach children of all ages the basics of the javelin throw, the TurboJav teaches throwers of every discipline the correct techniques associated with leverage and center of gravity to develop the essential motor memory needed to throw any implement correctly.At age 48, Tom Petranoff, the founder of ThrowingZone Athletics, is still actively throwing the javelin, but his main focus is now as teacher of throwing technique and world ambassador of the company's superior line of products. Thanks to Tom, the legend continues! What a great 3 days we had in the muddy fields of OSU campus in Stillwater! Jim Lothrop and I were very impressed with the games, the staff, and the campus itself. I have experienced many SO state games over the years and this was first class event. The volunteers were well organized, and super-friendly and made us feel right at home. Garth Brooks showing up was the cherry on top and watching him throw the turbojav was really cool. He used to be a javelin thrower on the OSU track team when he was there, and we were surprised at how far can throw the Turbojavs (he must have been practicing in order to impress us!!!). These pictures show his technique is still very solid. He signed autographs for hours and really gave a boost to Special Olympics Oklahoma event. We look forward to coming back next year and training SOOK athletes and coaches. (Garth, if you're looking for a job, we could use you as a demonstrator!!!) We at TZA work on behalf of many athletes, coaches, educators, good people, who are in the trenches and who are the foundation and bricks of our important mission to get kids moving now. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics It has already started but we need help to make it work. We have unique throwing programs that are fun and safe. Many states are starting and we have the network to plug and play our unique program. With the NTCA, we have thousands of good coaches across the USA and we have developed a plan we would like to share with you and your network of smart people to get feedback and see if we are worth listening to and helping our cause. If we could get these programs funded to schools clubs and adaptive PE programs we can take care of the rest. Schools/ Special Olympics/USATF etc. do not have enough dollars to make it work and become self sufficient. We have a serious challenges and an opportunity to really make an impact on lives of people of all abilities and create a business model at the same time that makes sense and works. Win-Win. We became inventors/entrepreneurs in South Africa Townships during the 90's while creating fun and safe throwing development kits/youth fitness programs for Schools and many non-profit organizations. What we created there is a world class "Better Yourself" core training programs for throwing events in track and field. Learn to throw DVD, CD, Coaches guide and throwing equipment. Plug and play. USA Track and Field Junior Olympics, Special Olympics and many other programs need help with funding kits, and we are currently looking for a serious partner who can embrace our mission and goals and help us make a difference. Our strength is our numbers. We have 6000 plus coaches already and that's not including Special Olympics and adapted PE teachers and coaches. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics Chicago has a good chance at getting the 2016 Olympic Games. How cool is that? We need to build it in Chicago and be the center for throws development. Chicago needs to have programs in order to win the bid and we have a good plan and start. We can have our local kids be a part of something special. Be mentors and set examples. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics The time is right to take our program to the next level. Obesity levels are at an all-time high, and fitness levels at an all-time low in this country and around the world. Schools, cities and organizations are looking for programs to address these issues. We need to get kids moving and help build self-esteem by educating and motivating them. I've seen the effect the Turbojav generates with kids. Quite simply, they're hooked. You can test-drive the kit with your coworkers or family by watching the video, reading the coaches guide and trying with your own kids. You'll see it's simple, entertaining and practical. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics We need to partner with company or persons who are interested in making a difference and want to be associated with fighting obesity and enhancing youth fitness. Here's a summary of where we've been, where we're going, and how we can get there: With help from Mobil/Exxon we started Olymkids in South Africa in 1990 and implemented the Turbojav/Mini Javelin into 6,000 schools. Returned to USA in 1998. Within the next 3 years Turbojav became an official event for 8-12 year-olds in the Junior Olympics. It has since become the second-most popular event. We started with the Special Olympics in 2003. It is now an event in 18 states with several organizations (e.g. WI, MD and PA) as first-year demonstration event. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics Parks and recreation associations in Seattle, NYC and Boston have Turbojav programs. Many countries are using Turbojav programs, including Japan, Australia, Finland and several more in Europe. We have expanded the program and now have other implements and activities that add variety and interest for all. We have safe, fun implements that are perfect for special events and for people of all ages and abilities. We have popular products that are fitness-related and, combined with branding and proper marketing, this translates to community and national goodwill for sponsors. We will phase the programs into schools in the USA, starting with Illinois and Texas. We can service 24 schools per month in each state with our current staff. That is over 600 schools in the next year alone. Partnering with a community-focused company can only accelerate this pace. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics Enhancing the elite throws development in the US is also important. The state of throwing events for our women in USA track and field is very low. No money is being spent by the T&F governing body to improve this situation. Once we build a stronger base of younger athletes, we can start funding elite training centers around the country to confront this problem. USATF gives only $9,000 per year to develop Olympians, and that's no way to build a competitive team to compete on the world stage. We have run the Worlds Longest Throw competitions in Old Orchard Beach, Maine for the past 2 years. This contest includes throwing a football, baseball and Turbojav for distance. This has far-reaching possibilities, starting with interscholastic competitions with web-tracking of results. With generating interest in throwing events we can aim at national TV exposure, like Worlds Strongest Man and reality TV competitions. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics We have the resources with a 6,000-member National Throw Coaches Association (NTCA) committed and endorsed by Illinois State Track coaches association. We can't rely on USATF funds. In addition, we personally know hundreds of very qualified teachers, coaches and ex-Olympians around the country that would jump at the chance to be part of this. The possibilities of tying this program into others are endless. With numerous alcohol, drug, nutrition/weight/obesity and other related campaigns, we can continue to find positive influences for children. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics We have kits that include training DVDs, targets, carrying bags, traffic cones, measuring tapes, coaching manuals, and other materials that make this a comprehensive and enjoyable experience once the initial in-service has been done. Track and Field is already the second-most participated sport in US high schools and with the current state it can only improve with new and interesting events. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics Studies show that youth obesity has a direct correlation to self-esteem. Self-esteem is hard to build especially when faced with the challenging situation our kids face with other sports and activities. Overweight kids will be successful at throwing first, then jumping and running. We want to get them motivated to be smart and get fit. Our program will also help prevent elbow and shoulder injuries as we teach how to use leverage and throw properly with safe implements. Tom was never injured in over 20 years of a successful career because he developed great core strength. He learned how to throw and train his non-throwing side and developed awesome stretch reflex. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics Your involvement can be as small or large as you are willing to make it, from implementing it in a few schools or Special Olympics ----all the way to someone branding it and making it the standard in youth development programs for the world to use. Worlds Longest Throw Club ---Just throw it!!!! Kids have serious weight issues and we need to build their fitness level and track it. Build confidence!!! Just get results!!! In their own back yard. Better yourself. We have many awesome youth girls and boys in our back yards who are going to be the role models of tomorrow. We would appreciate the opportunity to be heard. Contact us and we’ll send you a test kit of our product. Test-drive it with your family and have fun. If you don't get it, then thanks for listening and please donate the kit to someone who will use it. Special Olympics for sure in your area. Pick anyone. We will not give up. We can't rely on anyone else to stand up and be heard and be accountable. Tom Petranoff Mini Javelin Special Olympics Sincerely, Tom Petranoff Turbojav@aol.com (401) 440-0878