Gone is the Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee.
Now, headed by Mark Wojcinski, a new group has formed called the Chadwick Bay Sports Commission.
Instead of looking to build a multi-use sports facility, the Chadwick Bay Sports Commission is looking to build the local youth sports programs.
"We have some pretty nice facilities in the area already," Wojcinski said, noting Fredonia State and Dunkirk High School's new turf field and all-purpose track. "After the last one got shot down and some of the members of the old organization stepped down, it made sense to change from facility based to program based. It's a new philosophy and a new view.
"We don't need to vacate Russell Joy Park or say goodbye to Eagan Sports Complex," Wojcinski continued. "In the short term, we aren't looking to build a facility. We aren't vacating that thought either. If it gets to the point where programs get big enough and warrant a facility, then we will talk. Even a state-of-the-art facility here would be very hard."
The Chadwick Bay Sports Commissions mission is to promote the Long-Term Athletic Development Model, promote character through sports and create a need and community support for a multi-use sports facility. The vision is to create a lifelong appreciation for sport for all participants and be considered a hotbed for character and talent for upper-level organizations. The objectives are to host and lead coaching training and seminars for youth programs, create a one-stop-shop website for the region's sports, support and endorse programs that support the Mission and the Vision and work collaboratively with organizations to embrace and work towards the Long-Term Athletic Development Model and the Character Through Sports.
"Our new philosophy is let's build some programs and expand on what's existing with leagues and clinics and seminars and make it better," Wojcinski said. "We want to make the experience better for the kids. I feel comfortable with what we have to offer."
"I think it's a more diverse group," committee member Mark Twichell said. "We have people who are interested in the same goals. We are trying to promote fitness. Multi-use was about fundraising that would cost millions. This is working on more grassroots level and promoting health and fitness through organized sports."
The Chadwick Bay Sports Commission President noted the group will recognize what the Multi-Use Facility committee tried to do.
"It was a great idea and a cool thing, but with the current community, it would be tough to maintain," he said. "In 10-15 years, if the community supports it, great. If not, we can't say we didn't try."
The commission will be sponsoring its First Golf Classic on June 9 at Hillview. Registration will take place from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. and a welcome meeting will take place from 7:45 to 8 a.m. A shotgun start will take place at 8 a.m. Lunch and a silent auction will be held from noon to 1 p.m. and awards will be presented thereafter.
The event is a scramble format in which teams must use every player's drive at least twice. Each shot is shot from the best ball from fairway to rough. Men shoot from the white box and women shoot from the red box. There will be no "gimmies" and mulligans will be for sale at registration.
For sponsorship details, call Wojcinski at 404-9656.
The organization will also hold its first Local Sports Recognition Dinner, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 25.
The committee meets the second Wednesday of the month at JCC North. Anyone who is interested in the mission is welcome to join. For more information, call Wojcinski.
"As a group, we enjoy working with each other and bring different ideas to the table," Twichell said. "None of us wanted to give up on the ultimate goal. My interest is still in health and fitness outside of a structured organization."
Craig Harvey is the OBSERVER?Sports Editor.?Send comments to charvey@observertoday.com.
