Five hundred boys and girls ages 9-14 came together in Hershey, Pa. Aug. 5-8 for the 33rd annual North American Finals of the Hershey Youth Track and Field Program. When the meet ended, six Maine youths walked away with hardware including three from Aroostook County. One of the Maine competitors even took first place.
Kolleen Bouchard of Houlton was fifth in the 9-10 girls softball throw. Bouchard was competing at her first North American Final. Returning team members, Molly Anthony of Bridgewater and Brandon Theriault of Fort Kent, both took 7th place in the 100-meter dash in the 11-12 age group. Anthony had competed in the 2008 finals and Theriault competed in 2009.
Other team members included James Petersen of Hermon, who captured first place in the 9-10 boys 400-meter event, and returning veterans Seraphina Provenzano of Holden, who placed eighth in the 13-14 girls 400-meter run, and Tia Jackson of Old Town, who placed fourth in the 13-14 girls 100-meter dash.
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.
Mazzuchelli said 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.
In cooperation with the United States Track & Field, the National Recreation and Park Association and Athletics Canada, the program has grown from a playground meet in Charleston, West Va. in 1977 to the largest youth sports program of its kind in North America.
Rafer Johnson, spokesperson for the Hershey Track and Field Program says, “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,” he added. “The program provides an excellent opportunity for participants to make new friends and experience something worthwhile to remember for the rest of their lives.”
In addition to the meet itself, all 500 youths are treated to a tour of the Chocolate Factory and a day at Hershey Park amusement area as well as being provided with a variety of gifts and of course, a bit of chocolate.
