On Sunday, August 12th, 2018 the Newport County YMCA, Fort Adams Trust and the CMAK Foundation, hosted an affordable, family end of summer celebration called “Chasing Summer” at Fort Adams. The event was the celebration of the Y’s second annual Race4Chase Kids Triathlon Program. With over 100 participants from all over Rhode Island, hundreds of spectators and volunteers, music, food and games, the event was a wonderful representation of what Newport County can do when we partner together.

The Race4Chase Program aims to provide kids, aged 6-12, with a safe, healthy, non-competitive environment to discover the sport of triathlon. Designed as a 6-week goal oriented summer program, participants are provided with expert instruction in swimming, cycling, running, strength training and flexibility and being taught the fundamentals of good nutrition, under the supportive guidance of coaches, lifeguards and instructors to get ready for a USAT-sanctioned race. Implementing a custom-designed training program the coaches provide the youth athletes with all the equipment, knowledge and one-on-one support they need to become tri-athletes and lifelong athletes.

The Program is created in memory of Chase Kowalski. Chase was an amazing son, brother, and friend who was taken from the world on 12/14/12 in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. He loved sports of all kinds and had an incredibly competitive spirit. His family’s vision is “to turn tragedy into triumph by healing and strengthening our families and communities”. The Kowalski family wanted to capture Chase’s competitive spirit and vitality in creating a charity in his honor with a focus on health and wellness for children and their families. The CMAK (Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski) Foundation has pursued programs and initiatives that encourage personal improvement, healthy lifestyles and strong family and communities.

“This is the 2^nd year the YMCA hosted the Chasing Summer event at Fort Adams. With over 100 young triathletes competing from Y’s across Rhode Island, we knew this year’s event would be one to remember. We are grateful for all our sponsors; Fort Adams Trust, Gray Matter Marketing, Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, Franssen Landscapes LLC, Yote.Me, Ragged Island, Newport Tent Company, Bike Newport, Child & Family, Sail Newport, Meredith Brower Photography, Pizza Hollywood, Carmella’s Pizzeria, Herk Works Architecture and the CMAK Foundation for their support allowing these young athletes the chance to train all summer with the Race4Chase Summer Camp. With the Support of these community partners, the Y is able to offer this program for free to those that apply. All proceeds from the Chasing Summer event go right back into the Race4Chase Program,” Mike Miller, CEO, Newport County YMCA.

“Fort Adams Trust is proud to be able to partner with the YMCA to host the Race4Chase program in Rhode Island and hope the “Chasing Summer” event will continue to grow every year,” Joe Dias, Executive Director, Fort Adams Trust.

2018 Photos

2017 Photos