Sept. 16, 2009

Contact: Richard Symchak – 837-8032

PARKS AND RECREATION EARNS STATE AWARD FOR KIDS PROGRAM

Getting kids to try their best recently earned Tucson Parks and Recreation’s Therapeutic Unit a statewide award for Best Adaptive Program for its Kids Try-Athlon event.

The free annual event for kids with different disabilities and special needs, ages 6-21, was honored for program excellence by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.

“We encourage kids just to try their best and have fun doing it,” said Beth Lucas, therapeutic recreation supervisor. “That’s why we call it Try-Athlon, and our goal is promoting youth fitness and a healthy lifestyle.”

During the event, co-sponsored by Blue Pants Racing, kids can participate in any or all of three events – swimming, biking and running. Each event features no set distances, and every youth, whether they finish an event or not, is awarded a medal.

More than 800 youth, volunteers and sponsors participated the past two years, and plans are already underway for the third annual event to be held next spring in Reid Park and the Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center.

For more information about the event contact Beth Lucas at 791-4504 or beth.lucas@tucsonaz.gov.