Pelham Civic Association Hosts 36th Annual Summer Olympics
By Joe Nunziata
They say that talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships. Well on June 1 at Glover Field, a “team” that consisted of Pelham Civic Members, community volunteers, and over 300 kids from grades K-5 produced a championship-like day at the Pelham Civics’ 36th Annual Summer Olympics. In the true sense of the “Olympic Spirit”, Glover Field was flocked with organized fun activities and competitive events, with exuberant camaraderie and friendship.
According to Pelham Civic Olympic Chair Rob Fontanella, “The Olympics is a great event that draws a wide range of Pelhamites. From the young kids participating and their parents, to middle and High School kids volunteering to adults that help organize and run the event. As in the past, this year delivered fun for all those groups. “Thank You’s” go out to our Pelham Civic Olympic Committee, our Pelham Civic members and their families, our community volunteers, and the PMHS Varsity Track Team, who specifically helped out with all the running races.”
Pelham Civic President Tim Case added, “The Pelham Civics Olympics continue to be one of the best days of the year in Pelham. It’s great to see over 300 elementary school children have such a great time competing in the events. Thank you as always to the schools and the Pelham Recreation Department for helping us facilitate this great day.”
Last year’s Pelham Civic Olympic Chair Carl Pannuti mentioned, “Pelham Civic Chair Rob Fontanella did an amazing job. His attention to detail and hard-working efforts resulted in a tremendous success. Many of the adult volunteers, who weren’t Pelham Civic members, told us they look forward to helping out, it’s one of their favorite events of the year. Many of the middles and high school volunteers told us they have fond memories of participating in the event when they were younger.”
A special shouts go to our ubiquitous Weenie Wagon that served over 280 hot dogs…to our loyal Pelham Mascot (Erik Fontanella)… and once again to Pelham Civic Todd Cross, who can always be relied upon to capture all of our important events and programs with his photographic expertise. (Thanks, too, this year to the Vitale Family for chipping in with some terrific photos, as well.) The tradition continues.
For more information about the Civics, visit pelhamcivics.org.