Life’s a Beach and Then You Challenge One

By Staff Beach Times

They came in all shapes and sizes. Some savored the sweet taste of success, while others the despair of defeat. There were cries of joy and some tears. All came together for Country Day School’s Seventh Annual Beach Challenge.

© Zoraida Diaz

A record 168 kids (and some just big kids at heart) took part in last weekend’s Challenge at Potrero Beach, raising more than $9000 for charity.

According to Melissa Chellemi, one of the event organizers, the main beneficiary is the non-profit after school center Cultura, Educación y Psicología Para la Infancia y la Adolescencia (CEPIA).

© Zoraida Diaz

CEPIA, which is likely to get about a quarter of the money, also sent along 29 children to take part in the athletics, which included beach running, cycling, long jump, sack races and a grueling surfboard paddling event.

© Zoraida Diaz

Another 21 children took part from the Escuela Puerto Potrero.

“Another 25 per cent will go to the school’s student government, probably to be used for community service projects,” said Ms Chellemi.

© Zoraida Diaz

The rest of the money will go towards the school’s athletics program and the parent committee, which funds enrichment projects outside the school curriculum.