I love the PENN relays. Yesterday morning I was stuck in traffic, at 34th and Spruce, while picking up a client. Normally I might chafe at a delay, but being surrounded by bright, happy athletes is more blessing than obstacle. For 5 minutes I was reminded that there are no fat track stars; that athletes generate excitement and joy; and that young, fit people are generally easy on the eyes.
I love sitting in the stands at the PENN relays. I am charmed by the youngest competitors who make their first appearances in 5th grade. I enjoy watching the progress, from year-to-year as these kids mature, some to world class athletes. Today, the "World's Fastest Man" Usain Bolt will be running for Team Jamaica. The Penn relays offer a sense that fitness starts in childhood and includes all who move or enable others to move. I appreciate the volunteers who provide direction; the trainers who serve, protect and repair; the coaches, many of whom are volunteers or low paid pushers of true vitality. I love the well behaved crowds, the happy noise, the cooperation and discipline. For years, I have followed the friends of my daughter. Our Katie was an alternate on a West Catholic High School relay team that included Nicole Leach, Latavia Thomas and Cierra Lawson. Nicole has run every year, since 5th grade. She was named the "Female HS Athlete of the Meet" at the 2004 Penn Relays. Today she competes in the USA Women's 4x400. Latavia, now at LSU, anchored and won the womens Sprint medley. This is the fourth year in a row that Latavia Thomas has anchored LSUs winning sprint medley relay. No other female athlete in meet history has anchored a winning collegiate championship four straight years. The Inquirer sent a special shout-out to Ms. Thomas as she is a native of good ole Philadelphia, attending West Catholic High School. A complete article, with photo is at: http://news.pennrelaysonline.com/2010/04/23/college-womens-sprint-medley/ Our neighborhood is still producing Champions. In the Philadelphia Area H.S. 4×400, West Catholic's girls came in second with a time of 3:54.49. Teams from Australia, Bahamas, Canada, Dominican Republic, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Morocco, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries come to compete with the USA. Links to lots of articles can be reached at the official Penn Relays site. http://www.thepennrelays.com/ If you have never experienced the fun of the PENN Relays Carnival, it is worth the price of a ticket. It is akin to the hubbub and excitement that accompanies world cup matches in Europe or Super Bowl events here in the USA. Even if it is two late to get a ticket, it is fun to mingle with the athletes near the food and souvenir trucks that turn 34th and Walnut into a temporary human zoo. I hope all enjoy this perfect weather and the knowledge that not every kid is a lazy couch potato. Some are self motivated, some have parents who make sure soccer, hiking, swimming, track and / or other exercises are part of daily routines. All the best! Liz Elizabeth Campion PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, Suite 406 Phila, PA 19103 215-790-5653 Desk & Voicemail 215-880-2930 Cell & Emergency 215-546-9781 Shared office Fax [email protected] or [email protected] for Rental questions Link to Photos of available Listings and public, 'social' photos: www.PicasaWeb.google.com/CampionEF To check out all PFR and Multiple Listed Properties and to review CONSUMER NOTICE, link to www.PruFoxRoach.com Your referral is a welcome compliment. All the best in 2010 and beyond! ____________________________________________________________ Penny Stock Jumping 2000% Sign up to the #1 voted penny stock newsletter for free today! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4bd30375c2abbef50est04vuc ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
