Hershey Track & Field gives youngsters chance to run

Next Saturday at Manning Field, youngsters have a chance to get some exercise and have fun at the annual Hershey Track & Field games.The games will start at 10 a.m., with registration and check-in beginning at 9 a.m.There are three age groups: 9-10 years old, 11-12 and 13-14. Youngsters from any community in the state can participate.”The physical education teachers try to promote it in the school system,” said Lynn race assistant Joe Abelon, who will help out next Saturday. “The benefit is just (that it’s) one day that’s exciting and having fun.”Abelon contrasted the inclusive philosophy of the day with “a lot of formalized sports that are roster-oriented and roster-restricted,” and added, “You want to run, you come. That’s the beauty of cross country and track. Even if you’re not a varsity person, you can do JV races. It’s a wonderful sport.”The events will include the 50, 100, 200 and 400-meter dash, and the 800 and 1600-meter run. There will also be a 4 x 100 meter relay. The field events will include a softball throw and the standing long jump. Youngsters can do three events, two track and one field or vice versa.The winners from the local level will advance to the state level and state winners will continue to the national finals.Assistant Department of Public Works superintendent Lisa Nerich said the beauty of the Hershey meet is that participants don’t have to be athletes. Everyone is welcome.”It’s just a free, fun, mid-morning activity,” she said. “And you don’t have to be from Lynn.”Nerich said in recent years, youngsters from several surrounding communities, including Saugus, Revere, Salem and Peabody, had taken part in the meet. Last year, more than 30 youngsters advanced to the state meet in Bolton.Lynn has been a host community for the Hershey Track & Field local meet for eight or nine years, Nerich said, adding that in the past the event has drawn more than 225 youngsters.”We’re hoping to get the same number again this year,” she said.For more information on the Hershey Track & Field games, visit hersheytrackandfield.com. For information, call 781-477-7096. The meet is sponsored by Lynn Parks & Recreation, a division of the Department of Public Works. Registration forms are available on the City of Lynn website by following the links for Parks and Recreation and then events and activities. Registration forms can be mailed to the DPW at 250 Commercial St., Lynn, MA 01905.Rich Tenorio can be reached at [email protected].