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Christine Zash shows good form during the beach bowling competition at the fourth annual beach Olympics.
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Nick Schweitzer serves the ball for his Sandbar team during volleyball action at the fourth annual beach Olympics.
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Beach Olympics: Summer blast fundraiser for cancer
by Kevin Cassidy
Islander Correspondent
The fourth annual Beach Olympics was held on Sunday, July 24, at the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria. The event raised $1,000 for the American Cancer Society ROCK program (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids).
The competition consisted of five "athletic" competitions among the eight teams that participated. RJ Gators, Hooters, BridgeTender Inn, Bradenton Ale House, First Priority Bank and Ed Chiles' sister restaurants, the Sandbar, BeachHouse and Mar Vista, all entered teams for this very worthy cause.
The keg roll and the tray race were timed relay races, while the Frisbee toss and beach bowling had team members taking turns to see how accurate (or lucky) players were on their tosses and throws. The volleyball competition was a double-elimination tournament that tested the stamina and mettle of all the participants. Each team received points depending on where it finished. A first-place finish earned eight points, while second place earned seven points and so it went down the line with a last-place finish "earning" one point.
Team Mar Vista, coached by Joe Rogers, earned the gold medal thanks to first-place finishes in the tray race and the keg roll. MV also added a second-place finish in the volleyball competition and third place in beach bowling. Mar Vista team members included Kellie Spring, Brando Fetzek, Holly Harding, Amanda Finch, H.B. White and alleged "ringer" Mike Ide.
Following Mar Vista in the standings was Bradenton Ale House, while First Priority Bank and the Sandbar finished in a tie for third place. Congratulations to all of the teams that participated in this fun and worthy cause.
Horseshoe 'walker' again winner
For the third consecutive week, an odd number of horseshoe players produced a "walker" who captured the championship. George McKay of Anna Maria "walked" past his competition with a perfect 3-0 record to win the July 23 games in a playoff over the team of George Landritus of Bradenton and Tom Rhodes of Cortez.
On Wednesday, July 20, the team of Gary Howcroft of Tampa and Sam Samuels of Bradenton defeated Bill Starrett of Anna Maria and John Johnson of Holmes Beach in a one-game playoff.
The horseshoe games get under way at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall park. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome regardless of skill level.
Center fall soccer accepting registrations
Boys and girls ages 5-16 are encouraged to sign up now for the 2005 Anna Maria Island Community Center fall soccer season. Registration for soccer will be Tuesday, Aug. 2, through Saturday, Aug. 13.
Cost for fall soccer is $45 for the first child and $40 for each additional child of the same family for Center members. Non-member fees are $60 for first child and $55 for each additional child. Players will receive a uniform, which includes a team shirt and matching socks. Each player is responsible for his/her shin guards and black shorts.
Everyone who signs up for the league will be placed on a team, but for parity of the league, players must attend the mandatory one-hour tryout listed below for their appropriate age group.
Ages 5-7: Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Ages 8-9: Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Ages 10-11: Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Ages 12-13: Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Ages 14-16: Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
The Center will also host a soccer camp for new and returning players to get them geared up for the upcoming season Aug. 10 through Aug. 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for members and $40 for non-members.
Coaches are also needed for the upcoming season. For more information, contact the Center's Andy Jonatzke at 778-1908.
Celebrate gymnastics, cheer nation
South Florida Gymnastics and Cheer Nation will celebrate National Gymnastics Day with an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 6. The event will include a cartwheel-a-thon that will benefit the Children's Miracle Network. Aug. 6 was declared National Gymnastics Day by Congress, so get on out to the SFG at 1826 60th Place E., Bradenton.
Also on tap are tumbling demonstrations, concessions, raffle prizes and tours of their brand new air-conditioned facility. Call 758-5775 for more information or if you'd like to make a pledge to the Miracle Network.
Last chance to sign up
The Anna Maria Island Community Center is still accepting applications for Police Athletic League Dolphin football. Player physicals are scheduled for Aug. 6, so any prospective players must be signed up by then.
Don't miss out on the chance to play competitive tackle football. For more information, call Jonatzke at 778-1908. |
