Letter to the Editor: Kids Learned Powerful Lesson at Triathlon

Five years ago the and the Physical Education Teachers of District 308 designed a Kids Triathlon for the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders of our community.  37 children participated in a swim, bike and run race at . Saturday, Sept. 24, 261 student athletes were a part of the Have Fun? You Won! Kids Triathlon.

This is one of the events that make our community unique.  I watched one swimmer struggle to finish.  Civic Center lifeguards had their eyes on her.  A Park District swim instructor was in the water swimming alongside her.  Meeting her at the finish line wall were a principal, a teacher, and a P.E. teacher.  All of them were cheering her on.  She got out of the pool with a smile and a quick look up for her parents in bleachers where hundreds clapped for this last swimmer.  On a Sunday afternoon, this is where all these people chose to spend their day off.

I am grateful for the parents who showed their children such unwavering support.  I see where their children get such spirit.  I am thankful for the Oswegoland Park District team.  

The Operations department handles set up and take down and all the changes the weather might bring along with that.  Carolyn Murray, our Aquatics and Teen Supervisor was our own personal timing company, and the lifeguards and staff are there to make sure all athletes are safe and happy .  

Thanks to the 6th grade team of Max Bolander, Stephen Waite and Trevor Vest, all results were expediently ran to the computer.  The custodial staff at the high school led by Terri and Ken had the school ready to go.  Chipotle even gave each child a free meal back at their place!

The event wouldn't be possible without the School District volunteers.  I am so in debt to their efforts and attitude, I want to try and thank them all by name.  If a name is off this list it is only because even more came and found a place to help on race day.  

My sincere thanks to Sue Warren and Becky Hejtmanek, triathlon coordinators for the past five years, Sam Creek, Clare Fis and her daughter, Katy Sommerfeld and her girls, Rosa Brolley, Jeff and Katy Schafermeyer, Bobby Weimann, Sam Ingo, Julia Stoeckel, Kim Kuzawa, Mayam Osuch, Tom Clason, Maria Peters, Tim Harris, Ernesto Muniz, Brett and Sarah Baresal, Patti Marshall and her daughter, Robin Ormsbee, Tim Cartensen, Mary Kiefer, and Amy Walters.

261 kids learned a lot.  They learned they are powerful and can do more than they thought.  And they had another lesson about the special place they are growing up.  Thank you all for being there.  The character of this community never ceases to warm my heart.

Kristie Blocker Vest, Special Events Coordinator, Oswegoland Park District