With the theme word “evolve,” the Race For Chase and The Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski Sandy Hook Memorial Foundation (CMAK) are looking forward to a new year of competitive triathlons.

The organization’s 8th annual Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony is the commitment between the CMAK Foundation, local YMCAs, and the Newtown Community Center to host the six-week summer Race4Chase triathlon training program. This year, there will be two new Race For Chase participants, the Pawtuckett YMCA and the Yale YMCA in Putnam.

According to the CMAK website, the organization is “inspired by the life of Chase Kowalski and honors his memory through its works and activities to heal and strengthen children, families, and communities.”

The program has been going for nine years and is about “evolving into a better version of ourselves,” said Kevin Grimes, executive director of CMAK.

He said the participants are “evolving right before our eyes,” going from bright-eyed children joining the triathlon experience for the first time, to experienced triathletes, showing the younger participants the ropes and what it means to be in the Race For Chase; and some even becoming future program coordinators or coaches.

“There exists a positive Race For Chase culture,” Grimes observed. The coaches have been evolving too, “each year improving their methods and training,” and “adapting to challenges,” he said.

The Foundation itself has evolved, according to Grimes, “using Chase as a guide” and “growing into what we see today,” from three triathlon programs in 2014 to 30 today.

“That’s quite an evolution. We all had a hand in these accomplishments; we should all be very proud,” said Grimes. “We have a need and a desire to evolve.”

With triathlons not being conducted last year due to the pandemic, the organization is looking forward to a return to “traditional finale triathlons” this summer, in Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Connecticut. Locally, a triathlon in Monroe is planned for Sunday, July 17.

‘Signs Of Chase’

The keynote speaker, John Meyers, a member of the Board of Directors, said he has on a number of times felt “the presence of Chase” or seen “signs of Chase.”

He recalled a YMCA Camp Sloper event in Southington a few years ago.

“It was all about preparation; the course was set, the volunteers were ready, refreshments and water were set, we were all nailed for an outdoor event, but you can’t control the weather,” said Meyers. “Back then we didn’t have a rain date.”

Meyers said the event moved forward in spite of the clouds; the kids were out on the course and given their instructions.

They got the kids in the water, and the rain held off. They got the kids on the bikes, and the weather held off. Then, they even made it through the running section of the event.

“We weren’t done, there was still the ceremony awards,” said Meyers. “We got through that too; it was unbelievable.”

The volunteers completely finished knocking down the course and the event was “completely done,” and “fifteen minutes later, the sky opened up.”

“It was pouring, with thunder and lightning,” said Meyers. “Then, after the rain, there was a gorgeous rainbow to end the day.”

It was then Meyers knew that Chase had been looking over the event.

Tragedy To Triumph

Meyers said the tragedy in Sandy Hook and the loss of the children, including Chase Kowalski, and the teachers, “really hit to the core.”

“But the Kowalski family turned tragedy to triumph, with love as a guiding star,” Meyers said.

Meyers said the goal for the foundation is to get connected with new members, and then get those members engaged and, finally, committed to the organization.

“If we move through those three stages that’s when the fun happens,” said Meyers. “So open your hearts and move along further.”

Meyers issued a challenge to members, to get colleagues, friends, donors, and legislators connected, so they “not only see the program, but also feel it.”

“For extra credit, get them to a finale,” said Meyers. “If we get them there, the potential is unlimited. I hope this is the best summer ever.”

Get involved, support, or learn more about the program by visiting cmakfoundation.org/race4chase-tri-program — or contacting the Newtown Community Center at 203-270-4349 or https://newtowncommunitycenter.org/race-for-chase.

Reporter Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.