Congratulations to IPRA members for their successful efforts to actively involve thousands of citizens of Illinois and hundreds of future professionals in the field of parks and recreation by organizing and running a variety of amazing competitive activities throughout the summer.
August 4 marked a special day because three main events were going during this day:
National Hershey Track and Field North American Finals- Illinois State Coordinator Ryan Sparrow from Channahon Park District traveled with six Illinois athletes to Hershey, PA to compete with over 600 athletes from 50 states and Canada.
Battle of the Bands Regional Competition- This was the third scheduled Battle of the Bands Regional for the Teen Committee. Seven bands competed at this event in Glendale Heights. Over 100 bands have competed in 20 local competitions throughout the state. Six bands will advance to the Battle of the Bands State Competition at the Illinois State Fair 12-5pm on Saturday, August 18.
Lifeguard Games- Over 200 Lifeguards from throughout the state (48 teams and 4 junior teams) participated in this spirit-filled annual event. The atmosphere at the Bartlett Park District was electric and the competition was fierce as Deerfield Park District placed first and Gurnee Park District placed first in the Junior Division (both won for the second year in a row). Parents, friends and athletes from the Park District of Franklin Park cheered nonstop throughout the competition and won the spirit competition.
Here is a taste of the variety of events that the IPRA membership has done this summer…
- Hershey Track and Field local, state and national meets
- Battle of the Bands local, regional & state competitions
- Six-County Senior Olympics
- Camp Counselor Challenge
- Lifeguard Games
- BMW Championship
Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers that assisted with these events throughout the summer. Countless hours were spent planning, coordinating and conducting these events that have served the public and the future of the parks and recreation profession.