FILE PHOTO
By Michele Durgin
LYNN — The Lynn Parks and Recreation Department offers activities for the city’s youth during their summer break.
One such program, the Lynn Youth Summer Track Meets, have been held at Manning Field on Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.
The six-week free program concludes August 15. It includes track and field events that have attracted about 80 young athletes from 3 to 18. There are the long jump, softball toss and 30,- 50,- and 100-meter races.
Joseph Abelon, a retired Lynn teacher and coach, has volunteered with the program since its inception.
“I’m glad this program is available to the kids of Lynn,” he said. “I love to see them involved and the best part about track and field is that everyone gets to participate. No one stands on the sidelines and the reward is instant.”
Marlene Rivera, 17, a senior at Lynn English High School and member of the school’s ROTC program, is also a volunteer at the weekly meets.
“This is fun,” she said. “ My friends from ROTC and I love coming each week. The younger kids are so adorable and enthusiastic. They love to compete and I see some future stars in the making.”
Lisa Nerich, the program’s director, said many parents attend and cheer their children on from the sidelines.
“It’s great to see so many parents at the meets,” she said. “They are held in the evening, so many of them are home from work and able to come and be enthusiastic fans. The kids just love that.”
Lynn parents, Katie and Pat Ranahan, have been coming to the meets since they began last month. They, along with their sons, five-year-old Jacob and Nathan, three, said they are enjoying their time at the field. Both said it has been well-run.
“I am glad we have been attending each week,” said Pat. “Our boys love participating in the races and everything has run so smoothly. It’s a fun family night that we all look forward to.”
Amy Flynn, and her three-year-old son, Connor, checked the lacings on his sneakers as she prepared for the toddler’s 30-meter race.
“This is our first time here,” she said. “I think it’s awesome that the city does this for the kids and anything that brings the community together is worth it.”