5th Annual Go Far, Go Fast, Go Galactic!

When I was a kid, I rowed side by side every day with friend of mine who was more than 40 years my senior. Jack was there through it all; during frigid winter workouts as snow accumulated on our boats, to the scorcher days of summer where the sun blinded you, glaring over the still water.  When I first started training, he would always be handily in the lead. By the time I was 16, my boat moved forward past the bow of his racing shell. To my surprise, he smiled as I surpassed his speed. He was my mentor. He knew my potential and helped me realize it. His kindness has always stayed with me. Go Far grew out of the desire to help kids reveal their inner strength through the support of a true community of fellow minded folks. Achieving the Go Far way has never been rocket science, its notion exist in a community that persistantly nurtures its own people.

This weekend, on the 5th installment of Go Far Go Fast, I took a few seconds here and there to soak in the wonders that were going on around me.  I would take mental pictures of little moments I witnessed. It was heart-warming was to watch our first generation of Go Far kids mentor the younger upcoming one. For me, the event was like a connect- the-dot image, drawing our small community together.  As big hands interconnected with small ones, they ticked off one mile after another united in purpose. I saw coaches and teachers cheering from the side lines, parents reaching out their arms in congratulatory embraces with their children.  I saw town leaders supporting their fellow citizens. Business owners and community groups gave, so the youngest of our community could fully receive the support they need for success. Somehow, everyone was giving and receiving all in the same moment. 

While I built trophies late in the evenings wearily in the back room of the community center, I reminded myself that this vision had merit that was worth the effort.  A face tells the story and the faces of Go Far tell volumes. Each mentor or a child who wore the finisher medal or carried home a trophy felt important. 

 I could thank everyone here as I have in the past. However, I’ll keep it simple because I know the faces of the kids racing and mentoring left an indelible image of gratitude for everyone involved.  My sincere appreciation for this awesome little race committee grows with each passing year as well as to the community that believes we can Go Far every day. 

Well see you again soon. While were all busy going to work, parenting or going to school, please reach out to your community in some way. Become involved and you be amazed at how you too can Go Far. 

Thanks everyone!

See all the pics on Facebook!
Go Far Album 1
Go Far Album 2