Early fog could not obscure the smiles on the faces of hundreds of children — and adults — this morning at PJ Romano Field.
And it sure could not hide the joy of organizers. The “Day of Champions” returned after a 2-year COVID hiatus. And everyone was a winner.
Jumping through the Ninja course. (Photo/Amy Shapiro)
The event is a fundraiser for Experience Camps — the national network of summer camps and year-round programming for children grieving the death of a parent or sibling.
Founded by Sara Deren and headquartered in Westport, it’s a national non-profit. But today’s “Day of Champions” — bringing together a couple of dozen teams, competing in a “color war” with games, contests, dancing and more — had a distinctly local flavor, with hundreds of participants and volunteers.
The “En Fuego team” was on fire. (Photo/Amy Shapiro)
Each team committed to raising $1,000. But the total for the day — $150,000 — blew that goal out of the water.
Grief knows no socioeconomic bounds. Every child attends Experience Camps for free. Events like today’s make that possible.
The “Day of Champions” is a family (and friends) affair. (Photo/Amy Shapiro)
Another Ninja. (Photo/Amy Shapiro)
Another (hungry) team. (Photo/Amy Shapiro)
Volunteers included (from left) Jen Tooker, Candice Savin and Andrea Moore. Westport’s 3 selectwomen “womanned” the welcome table. (Photo/Dan Woog)
We couldn’t be prouder of this day or more thankful for all of our special teams and volunteers!
Love the En Fuego team fire hats!
This is beautiful!!!!!