Despite very dark skies and a threat of rain and thundershowers, 450 boys and girls ages 9-14 took to the track at the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pa. for the 34 annual North American Finals of the Hershey Youth Track and Field Program on Saturday, August 6 which includes competitors from all 50 states, all the Canadian provinces and, this year, Puerto Rico.
Contributed photo
Members of the Maine delegation of young athletes that traveled to the 34th annual North American Finals of the Hershey Youth Track and Field Program are shown here with Olympic legends Rafer Johnson and Carl Lewis prior to opening ceremonies of the event. Pictured are from left front row, Rafer Johnson, James Petersen from Hermon, Quintin Thompson from Washburn, and Carl Lewis. Back row, Nick Gilpin from Hampden, Cassidy Pelletier from Ashland, Jacob O’Berry from Presque Isle and Elizabeth Gryzb from Lovell. All six of the athletes would capture place medals in their respective events.
When the meet ended, once again, all six Maine finalists placed in their respective events.
Jacob O’Berry of Presque Isle had an exciting and very competitive race in the 11-12 boys 800-meter run where he placed fourth. Nick Gilpin of Hampden also had a very competitive race in the 13-14 boys 800 where he placed fourth. Cassidy Pelletier of Ashland in her second trip to the Finals captured seventh place in the 11-12 girls softball throw. Quintin Thompson of Washburn took the eighth place slot in the 9-10 boys softball throw in his first trip to Hershey. James Petersen from Hermon captured seventh place in the 11-12 boys 400, while Elizabeth Grzyb from Lovell captured seventh in the 13-14 girls softball throw.
Northern Regional Director Kathy Mazzuchelli of the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department noted that the Hershey Food Corporation does an outstanding job at making this a special trip for all the youngsters that attend. She added that the objective of the Hershey Youth Track and Field Program is to afford youngsters the opportunity to engage in healthy activities by introducing them to running, jumping and throwing.
Contributed photo
Quintin Thompson shows of his 8th place medal he earned in the 9-10 boys softball throw at the 34th annual North American Finals of the Hershey Youth Track and Field Program. Thompson joined 450 other youngsters from across North America and Puerto Rico that participated in this track and field event.
Mazzuchelli notes that she has been committed to the program because it represents the same goals that her department promotes which is teaching healthy lifestyles and emphasizing personal bests not necessarily winning and losing. The program is conducted on both a recreational and educational level, teaching basic running, jumping and throwing skills in recreation programs or in schools.
Any area elementary or middle school that might be interested in incorporating the program into their physical education curriculum should contact Mazzuchelli at 493-4224. In cooperation with the United State Track & Field, the National Recreation and Park Association and Athletics Canada, the program has grown from a playground meet in Charleston, West Virginia in 1977 to the largest youth sports program of its kind in North America.
Rafer Johnson, spokesperson for the Hershey Track and Field Program said, “I am happy to be associated with the program because it encourages participation and fun at the grass roots level for all kids, regardless of their background or ability. Children are taught that fitness can be fun. They are encouraged to set goals for themselves and take pride in themselves for each new accomplishment. The program provides an excellent opportunity for participants to make new friends and experience something worthwhile to remember for the rest of their lives.”
Former Olympic great Carl Lewis was also at the meet engaging the youngsters and providing them with important messages about how each youngster must be responsible for their own success. Lewis emphasizes the importance of hard work to be successful in life, not just in sports. In the words of Lewis, “If life was easy, we would all be successful.”
