AchievAlympics & Chili Blast set for Saturday
An afternoon of old-fashioned fun will fill a Cape Coral park this weekend while raising funds for Cape Coral classrooms as the AchievAlympics & Chili Blast returns for a second year.
Chelsey Wilson, communications and events specialist for Achieva Credit Union, said they are deeply rooted in education and in the community.
“We make a point to hold a signature community event in the communities we serve,” she said.
An Achieva Credit Union branch opened in 2013 in Cape Coral and the following year the AchievAlympics & Chili Blast was introduced to the community. The first event raised several thousands of dollars, which is given to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools classroom grant program.
“We had a great turnout for the chili cook-off with eight teams,” she said, adding that the field games also ran very smoothly. “Getting the word out was part of the goal for last year.”
This year, the event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct.
Wilson said they are planning for 15 to 20 teams to participate in AchievAlympics, classic, traditional field games that might be done in elementary school.
There are two teams the community can take part in – Family Warrior team, which consists of five to 10 people with at least two participants 7 to 12 years old, and the second team, Adult Gladiator, which consists of five to 10 people 13 years and older.
Registration, which can be done in advance or the day of the event, is $35 per team.
Wilson said the entire event kicks off at 11 a.m. and throughout the period of the event; teams have three hours to compete in the games and turn in their scores.
Some of the games include a three-legged race, dizzy bat, kayak race and relay challenges.
“It’s a little bit of a unique twist to the traditional games,” Wilson said.
The chili cook-off includes three categories, spicy, unique taste and family favorite. This year, the Best Restaurant Chili category will be included for teams that are entered by local restaurants and its chefs.
Attendees can pay $5 per person to taste the chili.
Registration, which is a $100 entry fee, to participate in the chili cookout ends Friday.
In addition, the event will also feature an inflatable obstacle course.
Wilson said they are also recognizing students during the event who are overcoming obstacles with the Achieva Perseverance Award. The award will be presented in elementary, middle and high school categories.
For more information, visit www.achievacu.com/capecoralevent.