Having an impact....
It has been 5 days since the final awards were given. 5 days after a beautiful sunset on this 4 day event. Looking back, I still get a rush from remembering what is was like to be there. Without realizing it, going from writing about / photographing to becoming a part of it. Not knowing anyone to meeting great people who made it happen. I had to do one article about my experiences and what I learned about the event and myself.
I found about Sportsfest through their official photographer Sheri Bayne. I checked out the website and kicked around the idea for a few weeks. Honestly, I really do not get into sports. Not really a sports journalist. Getting more information from Sheri, I decided to cover it. To what extent, I had no idea. A week before, I stopped by Atiyeh Printing (listed on the site) and met Ray. Ray is the founder and father of the Sportsfest.
He asked what my interest was. Response: I did articles on the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs and Steelhawks from a non-sports fan perspective. I would be covering it from the angle of how anyone could have a great time. He said to show up on Wednesday. After arriving at Cedar Beach, Ray gave me a quick intro to the event and welcomed the magazine. Showing me where to setup and even joking about sleeping there.
When I arrived Thursday, I went into work mode. Talked to Ray / set up / wanted to get an overall feel and first update done. I have to point out: This was a completely new idea for me. Live updates from an event was a challenge I could not resist. An event like like Sportsfest added to that challenge / fun. Basketball and a networking / social event kicked off Sportsfest 2013.
Friday, I settled down and more vendors were set up. My main focus was still getting an overall feel for things. Taking photos and doing some updates.
Saturday, everything really kicked into high gear! All sports were happening. Everything was on schedule. The media, in all forms, were doing full coverage. The official opening ceremonies happened at noon. Cheerleaders from Dieruff / Parkland / Allen high schools helped out. Volunteers were around to assist people in every aspect. Announcements / updates were made throughout the day. Excitement and a competitive edge was easily felt. The heat / humidity from Thursday and Friday died a little. The chance of thunderstorms kept some people's attention on the skies and radar. Yeah, a storm did hit. Thankfully, in the evening.
Sunday: championship games were held in several events, especially basketball. I finally went beyond Cedar Beach to catch some tennis and flag football. The afternoon / evening highlights included award ceremonies. A student from Allentown Central Catholic won a $1000 scholarship.
During the event, on the main stage, everything from dance and marital arts demonstrations to arm wrestling.
Like every major event: A few, minor, problems popped up during the event. Thursday, Sheri and Nick were supposed to perform at the networking / social. Technical difficulties decided otherwise. Honestly, I do not think anyone even noticed. Saturday, I was informed by a few people a fight broke out. It was taken of right away and without incident. Thanks to the Sportsfest organization and the Allentown Police Department. I was not surprised due to the amount of people there. A Few injuries did happen. St. Luke's Hospital had a station setup for this. I did see an ambulance there one time. Again, it was handled right away.
In case you did not figure out, safety was a top priority. Thursday and Friday had extreme heat / humidity. Saturday? A thunderstorm with heavy rain. Volunteers, staff and athletes were taken care of. When the storm hit, announcements were made: If people could not get to their vehicles; get under the tents. Above any other aspect, this impressed me the most!
Through extreme heat / thunderstorm / pain / exhaustion; volunteers / athletes / staff pushed themselves to limits. Some of the reasons: "We are crazy!" "The competition" "To be a part of it" "Give something back to the community" "It has become a tradition". Why was I glad to be part of it? Why look forward to next year? It's hard to describe. It goes beyond covering the event for this magazine. Experiencing an event that was about more than money and glory / fame. Experiencing the true heart and soul of people coming together as a community. Watching great athletes compete. Watching people enjoy not only the sports, but, every part of the event. I will not forget the feeling I had Sunday evening at sunset: The rush was starting to fade. It was almost a sadness to see it coming to an end, everything does. A smile was on my face. Walking around and still seeing the mini camps at crossfit and basketball. Hearing people cheering and talking. Feeling the emotion of people giving their best for a free, 4 day long, Lehigh Valley, Pa version of the Olympics.
To Ray, the Sporsfests organization, Athletes, Volunteers, and everyone who was there: Thank you for the experience. You earned my professional and personal respect on the highest level. I am looking forward to next year!
I found about Sportsfest through their official photographer Sheri Bayne. I checked out the website and kicked around the idea for a few weeks. Honestly, I really do not get into sports. Not really a sports journalist. Getting more information from Sheri, I decided to cover it. To what extent, I had no idea. A week before, I stopped by Atiyeh Printing (listed on the site) and met Ray. Ray is the founder and father of the Sportsfest.
He asked what my interest was. Response: I did articles on the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs and Steelhawks from a non-sports fan perspective. I would be covering it from the angle of how anyone could have a great time. He said to show up on Wednesday. After arriving at Cedar Beach, Ray gave me a quick intro to the event and welcomed the magazine. Showing me where to setup and even joking about sleeping there.
When I arrived Thursday, I went into work mode. Talked to Ray / set up / wanted to get an overall feel and first update done. I have to point out: This was a completely new idea for me. Live updates from an event was a challenge I could not resist. An event like like Sportsfest added to that challenge / fun. Basketball and a networking / social event kicked off Sportsfest 2013.
Friday, I settled down and more vendors were set up. My main focus was still getting an overall feel for things. Taking photos and doing some updates.
Saturday, everything really kicked into high gear! All sports were happening. Everything was on schedule. The media, in all forms, were doing full coverage. The official opening ceremonies happened at noon. Cheerleaders from Dieruff / Parkland / Allen high schools helped out. Volunteers were around to assist people in every aspect. Announcements / updates were made throughout the day. Excitement and a competitive edge was easily felt. The heat / humidity from Thursday and Friday died a little. The chance of thunderstorms kept some people's attention on the skies and radar. Yeah, a storm did hit. Thankfully, in the evening.
Sunday: championship games were held in several events, especially basketball. I finally went beyond Cedar Beach to catch some tennis and flag football. The afternoon / evening highlights included award ceremonies. A student from Allentown Central Catholic won a $1000 scholarship.
During the event, on the main stage, everything from dance and marital arts demonstrations to arm wrestling.
Like every major event: A few, minor, problems popped up during the event. Thursday, Sheri and Nick were supposed to perform at the networking / social. Technical difficulties decided otherwise. Honestly, I do not think anyone even noticed. Saturday, I was informed by a few people a fight broke out. It was taken of right away and without incident. Thanks to the Sportsfest organization and the Allentown Police Department. I was not surprised due to the amount of people there. A Few injuries did happen. St. Luke's Hospital had a station setup for this. I did see an ambulance there one time. Again, it was handled right away.
In case you did not figure out, safety was a top priority. Thursday and Friday had extreme heat / humidity. Saturday? A thunderstorm with heavy rain. Volunteers, staff and athletes were taken care of. When the storm hit, announcements were made: If people could not get to their vehicles; get under the tents. Above any other aspect, this impressed me the most!
Through extreme heat / thunderstorm / pain / exhaustion; volunteers / athletes / staff pushed themselves to limits. Some of the reasons: "We are crazy!" "The competition" "To be a part of it" "Give something back to the community" "It has become a tradition". Why was I glad to be part of it? Why look forward to next year? It's hard to describe. It goes beyond covering the event for this magazine. Experiencing an event that was about more than money and glory / fame. Experiencing the true heart and soul of people coming together as a community. Watching great athletes compete. Watching people enjoy not only the sports, but, every part of the event. I will not forget the feeling I had Sunday evening at sunset: The rush was starting to fade. It was almost a sadness to see it coming to an end, everything does. A smile was on my face. Walking around and still seeing the mini camps at crossfit and basketball. Hearing people cheering and talking. Feeling the emotion of people giving their best for a free, 4 day long, Lehigh Valley, Pa version of the Olympics.
To Ray, the Sporsfests organization, Athletes, Volunteers, and everyone who was there: Thank you for the experience. You earned my professional and personal respect on the highest level. I am looking forward to next year!
Check out what Sportsfest is about / Atiyeh Printing / Photos / Videos:
http://www.sportsfest.org/
http://www.atiyehprinting.com/
http://www.sportsfest.org/
http://www.atiyehprinting.com/
