SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Since 2023, the NYRA LEG UP program has been providing young adults (13+) with an educational and interactive experience at a thoroughbred race track. The opportunity allows them to learn about the sport, industry and various job opportunities available.
Since August 2024, 52 young people have experienced the program and 18 NYRA employees have volunteered their time to informing the participants. The NYRA LEG UP program builds on the NYRA STAR program, which launched earlier this summer and targets children 12 and under.
"You would think like racing is all about just going on the track and going as fast as you can and finishing, but there’s so many pieces that go into it, that it's an entire process that needs so many people and that’s really special,” said one student.