The CMAK Foundation and YMCA partnerships have allowed over one thousand children to participate in youth triathlon training programs free-of-charge through CMAK funding.  The CMAK Sandy Hook Memorial Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce that it will be expanding the Race4Chase Kids Triathlon Program to 26 locations in 2019 – sixteen in Connecticut, five in South Carolina, four in Rhode Island, and one in Washington DC, an increase of two locations from 2018.
 

Race4Chase, a youth triathlon program founded by Rebecca and Stephen Kowalski’s CMAK (Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski) Foundation, celebrates the life of Chase Kowalski. Chase was an enthusiastic young triathlete. The program was developed to remember Chase’s life and spirit through the achievements and experiences of other children in the triathlon sport. “Since the tragic passing of Chase it has been our purpose to be a positive change in our community and beyond. Our original vision was a community center that was not a drop off place but a place for families to play together. With the partnership of the Greater Waterbury YMCA we have redefined our vision to a program that has had a greater ability to change the lives of children and their families through the discipline of triathlon. We are impacting more children and families through this initiative, teaching them the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle. Many first time athletes stepping out of their comfort zone to participate while honoring the spirit and memory of our son,” commented Rebecca Kowalski.

The Connecticut programs will hold a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony at the Mattatuck Museum at 144 West Main Street in Waterbury, CT on Thursday, January 24, 2019 (snow date will be January 31 st ) at 11:30 a.m. This is the sixth year in a row that the Race4Chase program has expanded to reach hundreds more youth in our communities that will benefit from this 6 week, free program focused on Healthy Living and self confidence. Many combined efforts have been an important part of the success and expansion of the Race4Chase Kids Triathlon Program. Please consider sharing this moment with the Kowalski family astheir vision, inspired by Chase, grows and becomes real for hundreds of youth.
About Race4Chase:
The Race4Chase program incorporates training with mentoring, often featuring special guests. Throughout
the summer, the participants will hear from a number of local and regional triathlete superstars, as well as
learn about much more than just swimming, biking and running. Race4Chase also focuses on building self-
confidence and empowerment as a primary developmental asset. Children learn about centered and focused warm ups and create projects that help them learn about themselves and their personal transformations throughout the six weeks.
Full details about the Race4Chase program can be found at: www.cmakfoundation.org/

About The Greater Waterbury YMCA
The Greater Waterbury YMCA has a longstanding presence in the greater Waterbury community dating back to 1858. Throughout these years, and most especially today, the Greater Waterbury YMCA serves as a leading social service agency in the city. Together with other community agencies, we collaborate to provide a vast array of programs and services to reach the residents of our nine-town service area, especially targeting those individuals most in need. Together, we address immediate needs and help
others achieve independence.