Media Only Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195

This weekend, five youth athletes from the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will represent the District of Columbia at the 31st Annual Hershey's Track & Field Games North American Finals, July 31 – August 3, 2008, in Hershey, PA.  

These five DPR youth earned the opportunity to participate in this weekend’s games based upon their performance at the recent Hershey's Track & Field Program state meet, held June 21 at the Kenilworth Recreation Center, 4300 Anacostia Ave., NE.  Over 80 youth athletes, ages 9 – 14 years old participated in the meet.  Complete results from the event are available on DPR’s website in the “Results and Standings” section.

Each of the DPR youth athletes participating in the Hershey's Track & Field Games North American Finals is listed with the DPR recreation center they are representing:

• Tamara Smith, Benning Park Recreation Center - Girl’s 9-10 Softball Throw 
• Fahirah Crews, Kenilworth Parkside  - Girl’s 11-12 Softball Throw
• Devin Oliver, Harry Thomas Sr. Recreation Center - Boy’s 9-10 100-meter Dash
• Juwan Hikim, Kenilworth Parkside Recreation Center - Boy’s 11-1 Softball Throw
• Ahmahd Ryans, Kelly Miller Recreation Center - Boy’s 13-14 800-meter Run

“On behalf of DPR, I would like to wish the best of luck to these five young athletes as they represent the District of Columbia at the Hershey’s Track and Field Games finals.” said Clark E. Ray, DPR Director.  “It’s a great achievement for DPR and our city’s youth whenever they earn the right to compete and represent DC in national competitions.”

The Hershey's Track & Field Program  was created over 30 years ago to promote youth physical fitness and provide fun learning experiences for children 9 to 14 years old.