2011 Open Water Challenge
We are extremely sorry, but due to lack of support, interest, funding, volunteers, and other circumstances beyond our control, we have had to cancel this year's Open Water Challenge, which had been scheduled for Sat., Sept. 17th at Sachuest Beach in Middletown, RI. We hope to be back again in full force with the swim next year, and we really appreciate all the loyal swimmers and volunteers who have been coming out for the event every year.
Sincerely,
Mike Mineau
3rd Annual Gala a Huge Success
Check back in soon for more details about the Open Water Challenge to be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Sachuest (Second) Beach.
3rd Annual Gala Details
Please Join Us on the Lawn of The Elks
For The Tuesday Night Athletic Foundation’s 3rd Annual Gala
Friday, June 17, 2011
141 Pelham Street Newport, RI 02840
6-10pm
Baggo
Horseshoes
Ladder Golf
Music by John Monlos Trio
Passed Hors D’oeuvres by Coookhouse
2 free drink tickets
Tickets $30 in advance
$40 on the lawn
Smart Casual attire recommended not required!
Proceeds benefit youth sports for our community
Save the Dates!!
The dates have been set for TNAF’s 2011 Spring Gala and the Second Beach Open Water Challenge. The Spring Gala will be held at the Elk’s Club on Bellevue Avenue in Newport on Friday, June 17, 2011. The Open Water Challenge will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Sachuest (Second) Beach in Middletown. Check back in soon for further updates on these two exciting events.
Swim Results
“Dangerous Igor Waves Couldn’t Keep Swimmers from Open Water Challenge”
“Dangerous Igor Waves Couldn’t Keep Swimmers from Open Water Challenge”
By Amy Amerantes and Angela Lemire
Big swells and dangerous rip currents from Hurricane Igor hundreds of miles off shore shut down Second Beach to the annual one-mile benefit swim challenge on Saturday but did not dampen the spirits of 200 competitors who relocated the event to safer harbor on Sachuest Point.
The Newport-based Tuesday Night Athletic Foundation instead held its third annual 1.5-kilometer Open Water Challenge at Third Beach, located at the opposite northern end of the Sachuest Point peninsula on the Sakonnet River side, which provides natural shelter from waves and wind.
"It will be very calm and a much less daunting course," organizers told competitiors in announcing the change prior to Saturday's competition.
The event was held to benefit local youth sports, luring swimmers from all over Rhode Island to Sachuest Point. Swimmers covered the 1,500 meter swims in three 500-meter legs off the beach.
South County YMCA Master's Coach Fred Bartlett took 1st Place in the Men's Master Swimmer's category, finishing at 26:20. After claiming the top spot, Bartlett graciously cheered on fellow swimmers who had not yet finished.
"There are different conditions every time you go out, embrace the open water, navigation versus speed," said Bartlett, also a long time Save the Bay swimmer. "There are no black lines, you have to take in account natural factors that you wouldn't in a pool."
Michael "JJ" Richards and Matt Emmert, both local swim coaches, reportedly founded the Tuesday Night Athletic Foundation when they saw a need in the community to help relieve the financial pressures put on many families whose children participate in high performance sports.
Through events including the Open Swim Challenge, a Winter Gala in Newport and a Monster 5-K foot race in Bristol, along with other fundraising activities and local and corporate sponsorships, the Tuesday Night Athletic Foundation raises funds that provide scholarships and other financial assistance that helps young local athletes pursue their dreams and higher education. Last year, the Open Water Challenge raised about $5,000 and, since its founding in 2006, the group has reportedly donated $10,000 to local atheletes, according to organizers.
MORE 2010 OPEN WATER CHALLENGE TOP FINISHERS:
- Female Masters Division: Shawn Connell, 1st Place finisher, 29:14
- New England Men's Division: Drew Ledwith, 1st Place, 21:18.
- New England Women's Division: Stephanie Nasson, 1st Place, 29:12
- Men's Under 18 Division: Alex Swaim, 1st place, 27:48
- Women's Under 18: Latelyn Mitchell, 1st place, 30:20.
- College Men's Division: Eric Burtchell, 1st Place, 28:35
- College Women's Division: Caroline Caliri, 1st place, 27:27
Swim mentioned in Providence College Friars Blog
- http://www.friars.com/sports/c-swim/spec-rel/092010aaa.html
New Swim Details
"18 and Under Division Meet Info. Contact John O'Niel to Enter"
Winter Gala a Huge Success!!
TNAF's Second Annual Winter Gala
*Tickets purchased after Wed. will be available for pick-up at the door*
Saturday, March 6th
7 - 10 pm
International Tennis Hall of Fame
194 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
Tickets - $50
We expect this year's event to sell out quickly. With passed hors d'oeuvres provided by Pinelli Marra, complimentary cocktails, live entertainment and more! Be sure to order yours before they sell out. You can also mail us a check with your contact information, and we'll mail you your tickets promptly. If interested in donating an auction item, becoming a sponsor, or for more information, please contact this year's Winter Gala chairs:
Michael Mineau
608.302.2526
mineau@gmail.com
Nicole Roussell
508.878.5936
nrou01@hotmail.com
Press Release - Winter Gala Tickets Now on Sale
Contact: Nicole Roussell
P: 508-878-5936
Email: info@tnaf.org
Download Press Release
The Tuesday Night Athletic Foundation’s 2nd Annual Winter Gala
Tickets Now on Sale!
January 27, 2010 (Newport, RI) -- Everyday, there’s a child or young adult that has the drive and enthusiasm to play sports. Unfortunately, in times like these, sports programs across the country are experiencing funding problems, especially here in Rhode Island. Some families can no longer pay the fees, equipment, and other costs of their child’s sports. The Tuesday Night Athletic Foundation (TNAF) believes that cost should never stop a child from playing whatever sport they may choose. TNAF’s goal is to make amateur sports, at all levels, accessible to every youth, no matter what their family’s financial situation is. Sports keep kids healthy, off the streets, and teach life skills that will be invaluable throughout their lives.
When money stands in the way of youths playing sports, TNAF scholarships have been the answer for families, high school teams, Boys & Girls Clubs, and individual athletes alike. For the past three years, TNAF has awarded more than $10,000 to deserving athletes across the nation who would otherwise not have the chance to participate.
With the need to continue to relieve the these financial burdens, TNAF will be raising scholarship funds at its 2nd Annual Winter Gala on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, from 7 - 10 pm. Those of you who had the opportunity to attend last year’s event can attest to what a great time we all had. Some of the highlights of this year’s event include a silent auction, complimentary cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and more! Tickets are now available to purchase for $50 per person at www.tnaf.org. Please join us for an elegant and enjoyable winter evening!
The Tuesday Night Athletic Foundation (TNAF) is a non-profit organization created to relieve the financial burden placed on families that can be inherent with high performance sports programs; providing scholarships in the pursuit of the cultivation of promising local athletes. Without the support of you, TNAF could never reach its goal of making amateur sports, at all levels, accessible to every youth, no matter what their family's financial situation is. TNAF believes that athletics can be a very positive force in a young person's life. Confidence is gained with every goal reached. Lasting friendships are made on every team. Character is built at every failure. www.tnaf.org.
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If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Roussell at 508-878-5936 or email info@tnaf.org.
TNAF Launches New Website!!
