Marion Jones and Carl Lewis, beware. The next batch of Olympic athletes could very well be coming from Weehawken.
Well, that could be stretching the truth a little, but if last weekend’s turnout at the Third Annual Junior Olympics is any indication, then there could be a lot of budding track and field standouts coming from the township.
Nearly 150 grade school youngsters from first through sixth grades participated in the two-day event, sponsored by both the Weehawken Department of Recreation and the Board of Education, and held in the high school gymnasium.
The participants were selected – two boys and two girls from each classroom in Webster and Roosevelt Schools. They were chosen by the physical education teachers at the schools, Mike Finnizio (Webster) and Jose Perez (Roosevelt).
The youngsters then competed in several events: high jump, long jump, shot put, discus and javelin (using special rubberized equipment), obstacle course, hurdles, the 400 and 800 meter runs, and a relay race.
Each of the participants received a T-shirt representing their school for participating. The Webster School kids received a green shirt, while Roosevelt School students proudly wore their school colors of blue and gold.
The Weehawken Junior Olympics are part of the national program set up by the President’s Council for Physical Fitness. The students are taught the proper techniques of the events in their respective gym classes during the school year, then practice before the two-day event.
“The gym teachers basically act as coaches in preparing the kids for the Olympics,” said Chuck Barone, the township’s recreation director. “This way, they have a feel for the different events and they know what to expect when the Olympics come up in March.”
The program also enables youngsters who don’t have a chance to succeed in the township’s other major sports (football, basketball and baseball) to excel in another venue.
“It gives those kids who don’t participate in the other sports a chance to showcase their talents,” Barone said. “They all seem to have a good time and get really excited about being in it.”
Art Strandberg had two sons, second grader David and sixth grader Derek, participate in the Junior Olympics.
“I’m very proud of them that they were just selected to participate,” Strandberg said. “But when the kids get a chance to win medals and stand on the podium, it’s really a nice touch. They really do a good job in organizing the event.”
After the day was over, David had collected six medals, two gold, two silver, and two bronze.
“I was pretty surprised I did so well,” David Strandberg said. “I’m pretty happy getting all the medals. I really enjoyed the high jump. It was a lot of fun.”
The older brother wasn’t as successful, but he still had fun watching his brother perform.
“I was very impressed,” Derek Strandberg said. “He’s very good. I knew he would do well.”
Derek’s best event was the shot put, where he collected his medal.
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner was on hand to help present the medals.
“It’s great fun,” Turner said. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the kids standing on the podium, receiving the medals, and seeing their faces absolutely beaming with pride. The parents are thrilled, the kids are excited. It’s a great way to end the winter months. It’s two long days, but we’re able to get great parental support.”
Barone credited the efforts of the gym teachers who volunteered their time during the two days to coordinate the program.
“They give up their time all weekend,” Barone said. “Incredibly, they want to see if they can add more events for next year. They’re really dedicated.”
Barone is impressed how the program has grown over the years.
“I think when we first implemented it, we weren’t sure how many kids would get involved,” Barone said. “But now, we have 140 or so kids involved over a full weekend. It’s great to have so many kids involved.”
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