More than 70 vaulters enjoyed the second annual Florida Beach Vault. (Photos by )

CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. -- Maggie Steele, the gutsy farm girl pole-vaulter from Grain Valley, Kansas, was the storybook guest of honor here Saturday, July 20th, as copies of her inspirational sports novel, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon were presented to the high-flying female champions of Florida Beach Vault 2013.

Beach Vault Logo 2013

"It was a weekend of firsts for Maggie," said author Grant Overstake.

"It was her first-ever airplane ride, and her first time seeing the ocean! She loved every minute of it, especially since the purpose of her visit was for such an important cause, which is pole-vault safety."

The Beach Vault, sponsored by the Florida Pole Vault Academy, attracted more than 70 vaulters who had a spectacular view of the ocean as they cleared the ever-rising crossbar. Event organizer Bob Leidel was delighted to be able to present Maggie Awards to the female champions.

Volunteer officials helped with the annual fundraising event.

"It was terrific to have Maggie at the beach vault with us this year to share this unique experience and help motivate young vaulters to pursue their dreams,” said Leidel, who coaches many of Florida’s most successful vaulters.

“Maggie was definitely a great contributor to the success of the beach vault this year and we look forward to having her again."

Maggie Award Winner Caitlin Reed. (Photo by Jeff Allen)

Maggie Vaults Over the Moon tells the story of a fictional farm girl who overcomes tragedy and soars to new heights as a pole-vaulter. The novel has been endorsed by US Olympic vaulters Becky Holliday, Jeremy Scott and Erica Bartolina, and many others — including Coach Leidel — who identify with the book’s inspiring message for young people.Coach Leidel and the Florida Pole Vault Academy provide proper instruction and equipment, so the sport can continue to be safely enjoyed by real-life Maggie Steeles.

“Maggie had a great time in Florida, but she was also on a mission of sorts. The Florida Beach Vault is an important event for the future of Florida pole-vaulting, and she was happy to be there and to give them her support.”

Coach Bob Leidel and his youngest son, , enjoy the Florida Beach Vault.

About Coach Bob LeidelCoach Bob Leidel is a Certified Pole Vault Coach through the National Pole Vault Coaches Association and the Pole Vault Safety Certification Board. Bob was a successful vaulter himself and has been coaching pole vaulters privately for over 5 years. He has been the head coach of the FPVA for two years and has coached multiple high school State Champions, many State Medalists, State Qualifiers, and college level athletes. In addition to pole vault coaching certifications, Bob has numerous strength and conditioning certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and specializes in sport performance enhancement.

About the Florida Pole Vault Academy

The Florida Pole Vault Academy is a non-profit organization sponsored by Leidel Fitness, created to provide free coaching of pole vault safety and proper coaching of pole vault technique to un-coached or under-coached youth, and to provide pole vault equipment to schools in need. In just a few years of existence, the FPVA has reached over 100 pole-vaulters throughout Florida, ranging in age from 11 to 70. Some of the athletes who train with the FPVA included 2012 Class 3A Girls State Champion, 2012 Class 2A Girls State Runner-up, four other 2012 State Medalists, and many state qualifiers.

Camps and ClinicsFlorida Pole Vault Academy Pole Vault Camps are a condensed version of our extensive year-round training program. Camps teach proper technique of all phases of the vault independently, spending half a day on each phase. The next camps, for athletes aged 12 and older, will be held August 3-4 and September 7-8, 2013. Space is limited. Beginners are welcome! Call Coach Leidel at 813.610.5641 for more information.

About the PhotographsMaster professional photographer Jeff Adams of Digital Pixel Photography & Design Studios has taken hundreds of amazing shots at Florida Beach Vaults. This year's photos are available here.Last year’s photos are available here.

"Maggie Awards" are an exciting way to inspire your kids to stick it out, persevere, and soar! You can order 'Maggie' at a special quantity discount, with free social media exposure for your club, camp or street vault event. Click here to learn more about Maggie Awards.

Florida Beach Vault Champs Soar With Maggie Awards!