| The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced today that a division of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company will extend its research support into the field of veterinary medicine with specific focus on the equine athlete. A company contribution has been made to Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation to underwrite the first Elastikon Equine Research Award.
"The more we became familiar with Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, the more it became obvious that the objectives of the two organizations are highly compatible," said Jack Weakley, director of the Sports Medicine Group of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company.
The Johnson & Johnson contribution will be earmarked to fund research in the orthopedic field; the Foundation will select the recipient of the Award from among the projects approved by Grayson-Jockey Club's board of directors. The Foundation board is served by a 32-person Research Advisory Committee composed of leading experts in the field of equine health.
"We are committed to the health and well-being of the athlete, human and equine, and to all those who use our products. Our Elastikon brand elastic tape and several of our other products have been staples among veterinarians, trainers and horse people at all levels," continued Weakley. "It is a natural extension for us.
"Research funded by the Foundation has resulted in strides in many areas, including injury prevention and treatment, vaccines against infectious diseases, and treatment for colic and laminitis. Grayson-Jockey Club has a long history of funding quality research projects at universities throughout North America and overseas."
"Johnson & Johnson's global philanthropy touches many fields, and we are very grateful our work meets its standards for support," said Edward L. Bowen, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.
The leading source of private funding for equine research, the Foundation annually underwrites some 20 specific projects aimed at promoting health and soundness in the horse. The Foundation typically receives more than 50 proposals annually, and selects the best and most important projects on a competitive basis. The current slate of 20 projects is being funded at more than $950,000.
"Having Johnson & Johnson support a key project will provide an important boost toward the goal we all share, which is further enhancement of man's stewardship of our noble animals," said Dell Hancock, chairman of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.
Johnson & Johnson, through the Sports Medicine Division of the Consumer Products Company, is the leading supplier of sports medicine products to sports medicine professionals and athletes at all levels of competition. The Zonas, Coach and Elastikon brands of athletic tape are the choice of professionals in all practice settings.
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