In this section for our newsletter we are asking our readers and supporters of CMAK and the Race4Chase Program to submit stories of inspiration emanating from Chase and the programs that he has inspired. CMAK encourages everyone to submit their stories to be published in this section to Kevin Grimes at kgrimes@cmakfoundation.org.. This month's story comes from Rebecca Kowalski from her own recent experience:
For the past 8 years, we have hosted Race4Chase Finales and I always thought how cool the life guards looked in the water helping the little kids get from one end of the pool, pond or lake to the other. They would always cheer and watch to make sure the athletes feel safe while in the water and begin the first phase of their triathlon. Many times I would search for a lifeguard to volunteer for a Finale and we always found one willing to donate their time.
As I started my journey 5 years ago to become a triathlete, first as a “runner of 5k’s" and then training all year long for my first sprint triathlon, I had in the back of my mind a bigger goal to always reach for something else to celebrate Chase’s life and all that he could have become. Last year, I chose to do a 70.3 Ironman distance to celebrate Chase's would be 15th birthday. This year I was inspired by Chase to become a lifeguard. This year Chase would be 16 and what better way to celebrate the young man he could have become than by getting my lifeguard certification in honor of him!
I worked with a group of amazing teenagers from Newtown High School who were all going for their certification along with two women closer to my age, Jessica Marion and Diane Salvo. It was truly an honor to work with these kids who are all around the same age as Chase would be. We were all nervous when we were learning all of the life saving skills but we managed to work together in small teams and save each other from a multitude of drowning scenarios. Our trainer, Kristen Rebelo, said we were one of the best groups she has worked with in a long time! There was a sense of pride I had watching these kids work so hard and working side by side with them was so much fun.
l-r Jessica Marion, Rebecca Kowalski, Diane Salvo
To say my life has taken a hard left turn is an understatement, but it has. I work out almost everyday. I’ve learned so much about food and nutrition, health and wellness along with the sport of triathlon. I’ve learned the thrill of victory, completing my IronChase 70.3 and the agony of defeat, breaking both wrists two weeks before my EpicChase triathlon. I’ve learned how to accept the generosity of friends and family in my time of need.
I am so grateful for the seven amazing years I had with Chase and I will continue to be Inspired by Chase!
Who knows what he could inspire in YOU! We would love to hear your story.
Race4Chase KidsTriathlon Program
Some of the Race4Chase Kids Triathlon program sites have begun accepting application for those youth interested in joining the six week training program this summer. Others will begin the process in the month of April. Please see the full list of locations at the
cmakfoundation.org/race4chase-sites and contact the sites directly to inquire about participation in the 2021 program.
We hope to be able to stage a traditional Race4Chase FINALE at the end of the program and we have tentatively reserved the following dates in anticipation:
Saturday, July 24th, 2021, CSD Community YMCA, Clover, SC
Saturday, July 31st, 2021, YMCA Camp Sloper, Southington, CT
Sunday, August 15th, 2021, Fort Adams, Newport, RI
The next few months we will put to good use our Words of the Month. In April, we will have
Faith that our full programs will be allowed followed by much
Hope in May that our
Faith has been rewarded until we truly begin to
Believe in June as we anticipate the start of our Race4Chase athlete's training.
CMAK: WORD of the Month
CMAK will be choosing one word as the theme for each month; words to inspire, words to contemplate, words to motivate and words to capture our imagination. We will try to embrace these words each month as we do our best to fulfill our mission. We hope they will inspire all to keep life in perspective and Chase in your hearts and minds.
Word of the Month for March:
Happiness
WORD of the Month for April:
FAITH
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2021 Word of the Month
January:
Grateful
February:
LOVE
March:
Happiness
April:
Faith
May:
Hope
June:
Believe
July:
Amazing
August:
Inspired
September:
Blessed
October:
Embrace
November:
Thrive
December:
Family
Chase Kowalski Memorial Golf Tournament
Save the Date!
The Chase Kowalski Memorial Golf Tournament is set for August 7th, 2021. subject to clearance from local regulations. CMAK will follow CDC guidelines in place on the date. Anyone interested in becoming a hole sponsor for hole sponsors, raffle donator, etc. can contact sharon.pirhala@gmail.com.
Crazy 8 Ride4Chase
Crazy 8 Ride4Chase will be postponed until September 2021 with a tentative date of September 19th. More details to follow in subsequent newsletters.
St Pat's Trivia Night Results
"Share the Happiness"
1st IronViking (aka:Nick Waaler)
2nd Tracey and Liz Kosa
3rd Suzy Finn
Although some might say they had the "Luck of the Irish" that night, but we are more convinced it was skill rather than luck that brought our winners to the podium.
WINTROP Men's Basketball
Congratulations to Coach Kelsey and the Winthrop Men's Basketball Team for winning the Big South Tournament for the 2nd year in a row and making it to the NCAA Tournament.
Shop AmazonSmile Now
We would like to remind you of the DOT Generation Charity Partnership Program for which CMAK is a member. You can express your support of CMAK through contracting for your printing needs with DOT Generation of Connecticut who will in turn contribute 5% of gross sales to CMAK. For more details about the program and a full list of services, please contact our good friend and long supporter, David Stowe, at david@dotgeneration.com.