Tigers lend a hand at Broomall Rotary Jr. Olympics

BROOMALL–Dozens of children were seen at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Broomall on Sunday for the Broomall Rotary’s annual Junior Olympics.

The event, which is going on approximately nine years now, is dedicated to the children in the Marple Newtown community and beyond. The event includes a “broad” jump, 30- and 50-yard dashes, depending on the child’s age, a ball throw, and more.

The event is organized by Broomall Rotarian Bill Buchanan and volunteers help annually, including the Marple Newtown High School Tigers football team and Interact Club.

“It’s great that they do this…” said Rotarian and Marple Township Solicitor Adam Matlawski about the high school volunteers.

“And, frankly, we couldn’t do this without them,” added Paul Quintavalla, president of the Broomall Rotary.

But Tigers football head coach Ray Gionta said, “It’s a great event for them to do.” The football team has been participating since the event’s inception and participates in several other community volunteer events throughout the year–the Junior Olympics being one of them.

Mrs. Marty’s Deli is an annual sponsor who has been donating refreshments like hot dogs for the event as well as Marple 7th Ward Commissioner Dan Leefson, of Leefson Tool & Die Co., who provided the medals for the children during the awards ceremony.