Charity Events:

Dear Students and Parents,

It's that time again...none other than the Canoe Race!  This year we will be participating in the annual Massapequa Fire Department Charity Canoe Race which will benefit 2 children from LI on Saturday August 13, 2005.  Remember...Our reason for participation in this community function is to raise money for the two children who unfortunately are not as healthy as us...so your participation and sponsorship are essential for the success of this charity!

For the past few years we have met a great many friendly people, participated in a worthwhile cause and have had a blast!  Our school goal is to raise over $5,000.  That means at least 50 racing canoes representing our school.  If you don't want to compete because you don't like being close to nature...taking in the fresh air, paddling along the water with a big smile on your face and unfortunately your bed ridden, but would like to sponsor a boat for our warriors or just make a donation, that would be outstanding also!

We have 2 canoes to practice with...(prepare and practice for Victory!!!)  Please note that only those registered can come to practice.  That means no wives, husbands, or children.  SORRY ONLY TRAINING WARRIORS!!

There will be a Victory Party at Sensei Arango's house after the race for all Leadership & SWAT Team members and their families!  Due to the tremendous response we've had for the canoe race, I've had to limit the amount of people coming back to the house...so train hard and get on one of our teams.  Please read enclosed flyers for all the divisions available!

There will be no classes on race day for both Massapequa and Hicksville locations.

Check out the website www.Canoe4Kids.com to see updated information on the newest race!

THE CHILDREN THIS YEAR:
Molly’s & Anthony's Race

On Saturday, August 13th 2005, the Massapequa Fire Department will be hosting the 11th Annual Emergency Services Canoe Challenge. The race consists of a two mile course to the Great South Bay, beginning and ending in John Burns Park in Massapequa. If you have the courage to compete, if you have the desire to dig deep, if you can paddle through the pain with some of the bravest, boldest, finest and fiercest, you will receive a complementary race day tee shirt and free refreshments after the race – and have a great time doing it!

We are making some changes this year to help smooth out some of the issues we have experienced in past events. First, we are adding some divisions. Each division will have 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies for Men, Women and Mixed categories:

FD Fire Department - includes Ambulance companies and Fire Police
PO Peace Officer - includes Sheriffs, Constables and Police
PF Physical Fitness - includes Martial Arts, Fitness Clubs and Gyms
SC Social Clubs - includes PTA, Katie Daly’s and K of C
CO Corporate – includes all corporate sponsored competitors
SD Senior Division – Sum of the ages of the 2 competitors is 90 years or better

The first place finishers of the above divisions are eligible to compete in the Grand Champion race. We have a trial division this year for kayaks. One person kayaks will be supplied at the race to keep things on a level playing field. The donation is $50.00 per kayak. This division will not compete for Grand Champion.

With the help and support of all of you, this yearly contest has become a summer event that is circled on everyone’s calendar! If last year’s race was any indication of how much fun can be had by two people in or out of a canoe, then you really have to experience it for yourself. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a Day at the Races! Hot dogs, hamburgers, Italian Ices, and liquid refreshments will be served. Everything only costs a buck!

This year, we are raising funds for the families of Molly Guarton, a 3 year old North Bellmore girl with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, and Anthony Daniele, an 18 year old from Wantagh with the same disease. The entrance fee is $100.00 per two-person canoe.

We will be retiring the existing Grand Champion Trophy to permanently reside with The Nassau County Sheriff’s Association. Congratulations to the Sheriff’s Association – display that hard earned trophy with pride! Complementary continental breakfast for all competitors will be served at 8AM. The race starts at 9:30 and will be over at approximately 1PM. Come and enjoy a day in the outdoors and root for your favorite team to at least stay dry! Please fill out the enclosed application and mail it today.

YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
For additional information call: Pat Byrnes (516) 721-7942
Tom McCarthy (516) 729-3701

Or visit our web site at: www.Canoe4Kids.com

Thanks in advance,
Tom and Pat
 

Previous Canoe Charity Races:

Saturday August 14, 2004 - Jamie Lynn's and Amanda's Race
KARATE CANOE RACE  SATURDAY AUGUST 14, 2004 A HUGE SUCCESS!
Message from:
Massapequa Fire Dept. Canoe Race Committee
1 Brooklyn Ave.
Massapequa, NY 11758

On Saturday, August 14th 2004, the Massapequa Fire Department will be hosting their 10th Annual Emergency Services Canoe Challenge.  The race consists of a two-mile course to the Great South Bay, beginning and ending in John Burns Park in Massapequa. If you have the courage to compete, if you have the desire to dig deep, if you can paddle through the pain with some of the bravest, boldest, finest and fiercest, you will receive a complementary race day tee shirt and free refreshments before and after the race - and have a great time doing it!

I have to tell you, our greatest fear in running this event in past years has been the weather.  We were very concerned that if it rained, no one would show.  Well, August 9, 2003 started out OK, but the end of the race, it was pouring buckets.  AND NO ONE LEFT! YOU WERE MAGNIFICENT!  Wet, but MAGNIFICENT!  There were spontaneous mud slide competitions, lots of smiles and nothing but winners all over the park.  With the help and support of all of you, this yearly contest has become a summer event that is circled on everyon's Calendar!  If last year's race was any indication of how much fun can be had by two people in or out of a canoe, then you really have to experience it for yourself.  Bring your friends and family and enjoy a Day at the Races!  Hot dogs, hamburgers, Italian Ices and liquid refreshments will be served.  Everything only costs a buck!

The Entrance fee is $100.00 per two person canoe.  Last year over 180 canoes raced to raise money for Brittany Borgen and Andrew Glennon, By the way, Andrew's transplant was a complete success and you will recognize him this year as a 19 month old tearing up John Burns Park on Race Day!  This year, we are raising funds for the families of Jamie Lynn Williams, a 3 month old Levittown girl with Citro Bacto Meningitis, and Amanda Grosso, a 7 year old Lindenhurst girl with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.

The Seniors Division will return this year.  To race in this division, the combined total ages of the competitors in the canoe must be 90 years or better.  Also, any group of sponsoring 10 or more canoes is qualified to enter a team to compete in the last race of the day for the Grand Champion Trophy.  The Nassau County Sheriff's Association will be defending their Grand Champion Trophy against all comers.

Complementary continental breakfast for all competitors will be served at 8AM.  The race starts at 9:30 and will be over at approximately 1PM.  Come and enjoy a day in the outdoors and root for your favorite team to at least stay dry!  

YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Please see Sensei Arango or Sensei Nicholas DeLuca to register for the event.  

This donation is tax deductible.  If you would like to participate by sponsoring a boat, you may do that as well.  ALL THE MONEY IS DONATED TO THE FAMILIES.  THIS IS A NON FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

**Update** We would like to thank everyone for participating in this great event!  We helped to raise over $25,000 dollars!! 

Saturday August 9th 2003 - Brittany and Andrew's Race
Money to benefit Brittany Borgen, a 6 1/2 year old girl from Plainview suffering from Cerebral Palsy and Andrew Glennon, a 7 month old West Babylon boy battling Biliary Atresia and requiring a liver transplant.

Saturday August 2002 - Jenna and Joshua's Race
over 150 canoes showed up for this race to help Jenna and Joshua with their life threatening diseases.

Saturday August 11, 2001 - Victoria's Race
Victoria is a five year old stricken with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.  All proceeds from this year's Canoe Race Challenge went directly to the Yenzer family to help offset unexpected bills. 

Saturday August 2000 - Christina Cowan's Race
Massapequa Fire Department Raised over $7,000.00 for Christina's double lung transplant.  Her transplant was a complete success and she completed two miles in a local power walk within the next year!  Congratulations Christina!