The challenge is set
Youths sought for relay mission
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The challenge: keep your team's relay going for 12 hours. The mission: have fun. The location: Sweet Home High School's track, 1901 Sweet Home Road.

If you choose to accept this challenge, report to the Amherst Dusk to Dawn Relay Challenge on May 25. Details will follow. In its seventh year, the relay brings together

''community youth for a fun and constructive activity, said Roseanne McCarthy, relay co-chairwoman, and public relations coordinator for the Amherst Youth Board.

"The whole idea is to give kids a safe, positive and healthy challenge," she said. "And they learn something about themselves."

Teams of 10 to 12 youths and adults run, walk, skip, hop, etc., around the track for a mile before passing their baton on to another team. The cycle continues for the 12-hour relay.

Teams include youths ages 12 and older and at least two adult coaches, 25 or older.

Those up to the challenge begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 25 and continue until 7 a.m. Sunday, May 26. Registration and prerelay activities are held from 3 to 6:30 p.m. with the opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Challengers set up camp, decorated in their team theme, create a team name and song. Teams will be awarded prizes for spirit, creativity, and completing the most miles, among other categories.

Those willing to accept the mission are rewarded. McCarthy said dinner is provided by Olive Garden at approximately 5 p.m. Later that evening, Pizza Plant arrives with a late-night snack.

Throughout the evening a DJ will be playing, Dennis George will host his trivia game, karaoke and movies will be shown and games will be played.

In the past, about 10 to 20 teams have stepped up to the challenge, but McCarthy said she hopes to have 25 to 30 teams register.

Aside from relay teams, the event also needs volunteers and sponsors.

"We will use all the help we can get," she said. "It's great if people are interested in volunteering, starting a team or being a sponsor."

With limited money provided to the Amherst Youth Board, the organization started the 12-hour relay.

"We were looking for a fundraiser that was close to our mission. It was a great way, we thought, for the Youth Board to raise funds and work with kids ... it's true to what we do," she said.

To sign up, visit www.amherst.ny.us, the keyword

"youth," or call 631-7215. Information is available on relay teams, sponsors, corporate donors, volunteering and donating food or supplies.

Cost is $30 per person. All challengers receive a T-shirt, food, entertainment and prizes.

The Amherst Dusk to Dawn Relay Challenge is presented by the Amherst Youth Foundation and Youth Board.