Mooers finishes 15th in national event

    Five hundred and forty seven boys and girls ages 9-14 came together in Hershey, Pa. July 30-Aug. 2 for the 32nd annual North American Finals of the Hershey Youth Track and Field Program. When the meet ended, five Maine youths walked away with hardware, including three from Aroostook County.
    Cassidy Pelletier of Ashland captured fifth place in the 9-10 girls softball throw while teammates Ryan King of Mars Hill was 13th in the 11-12 boys softball throw and Emily Mooers of Houlton was 15th in the 11-12 girls long jump.
    Two other youths from central Maine rounded out the team with James Petersen of Holden capturing fifth in the 9-10 boys 400 meter and Seraphina Provenzano of Hampden taking sixth in the 11-12 girls 400 meter.
    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 noted 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.
    Mazzuchelli, who has been running the program locally and regionally for 30 of the 32 years, the program has been in existence, notes that she has been committed to the program because it represents the same goals that her department promotes which is teaching healthy lifestyles. The program is conducted on both a recreational and educational level, teaching basic running, jumping and throwing skills in recreation programs or in schools.  
    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.
    The program provides an excellent opportunity for participants to make new friends and experience something worthwhile to remember for the rest of their lives.”
    During his presentation at the closing ceremonies last Saturday evening, Johnson cited nine-year-old James Petersen from Maine as being representative of the spirit of the games.
    Petersen had met Johnson upon arrival and Johnson asked James how he thought he would do in his 400-meter race.
    Petersen responded that “he wasn’t sure but would tell him after the race.”
    True to his word, when Johnson went up to Petersen after the race and after Petersen had congratulated all the other runners on their accomplishments, Petersen excitedly informed Johnson that he had shaved two seconds off his time. Johnson noted that this response embodied the spirit of the games by not celebrating winning or losing but celebrating personal bests.
    In addition to the meet itself, all 547 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, yes, a bit of chocolate!