GLOUCESTER — Chief Edward Conley and the Gloucester Police Department challenge community members to participate in a lobster crate race on the waters of Gloucester Harbor to help support an effort to renovate the Gloucester High School weight room. The race will be held on Saturday, July 16, on Pavilion Beach in front of the Beauport Hotel, 55 Commercial St.
The race will challenge participants to run across a series of lobster crates floating atop the water, with judges counting the number of crates each participant touches before falling into the water.
Racers will be divided into groups based on weight. Extensive safety measures will be in place, including boats to help participants get to shore. All participants must wear life jackets and foot protection.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Gloucester Fishermen Athletic Association’s efforts to provide funding for renovating the Gloucester High School weight room, which is outdated and badly in need of new equipment and refurbishing.
The center will be dedicated to the late Greg Swinson, who taught in Gloucester Public Schools for 35 years. Swinson coached football and strength and conditioning, and will be recognized for his commitment to the physical well-being and education of Gloucester’s youth.
All participants are asked to make a $10 donation, but larger donations will be accepted from those who are able to make them. To apply to participate visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSei8lsERzYuE6HJ_vXrVycgVeYNMEgTQ66_fGOptAqToS8jiA/viewform
“The Gloucester Police Department has been fortunate to have Mayor Greg Verga and Chief Conley allow our department to lead by example when it comes to youth engagement. It is so important to the officers of the Gloucester Police Department to have our youth look up to our police officers as positive role models,” said Lt. Jeremiah Nicastro. “Through Kops-n-Kids, Safety Day, SROGaming, Youth Anglers Fishing Program, and now a lobster crate race, our leadership has allowed our officers to think outside the box to engage with our youth with new sustainable initiatives.”
“I’m consistently impressed by the work of our officers and community partners like the Gloucester Fishermen Athletic Association to reach out to Gloucester youth, and to support them,” said Chief Conley. “I hope Gloucester residents of all ages will join us for this fun summer challenge and help support our student athletes.”
The Gloucester Fishermen Athletic Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community-based organization dedicated to the principle that all student-athletes of the Gloucester school system should be able to participate in the sport of their choice, regardless of financial circumstances. The organization is also committed to ensuring that those student-athletes play and practice on safe and maintained facilities and are equipped with the technology and equipment necessary to ensure competitive success.
