The young drivers spent the season satisfying their need for speed. Then, once their season was over, they turned their attention to those in need.
The Washington Quarter Midget Association (WQMA), a non-profit organization that provides sprint-car racing opportunities for children ages 5-16, made a donation of $1,200 to Children’s Hospital of Seattle on Nov. 11 .
The association, based in Everett on Paine Field property since 1969, raised the money through a car wash and racing registration proceeds. The association has 60 young drivers who race specially-designed quarter model sprint cars with special rules and safety procedures.
Association President Denise Smutny headed the WQMA delegation that presented the check to Emma Misner, special events coordinator for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Among the young drivers who were given a tour of the hospital was Mykel Chambers, age 10 of Everett, a former patient.
“Mykel thought it was neat to see all the changes, the new buildings and the expansion,” Smutny said. “Emma explained how some of the kids are there for a long time and they can get bored.”
The funds provided by the racing association will help remedy that. The donation will be used to purchase toys, books, games or to defray costs for hospitalized children and their families.
“The kids wanted to do something for children a little less fortunate than themselves,” said WQMA member Mike Cannon of Snohomish, whose son Shain, age 12, races in the Senior Honda class.
Added Shain Cannon: “We just knew the kids needed it for their (hospital) expenses.”
In addition to the $1,200 donation, one adult member of the association, Marvin Moritz, donated three large bags of new stuffed animals.
WQMA youth drivers race on an oval track that is approximately 1/20 mile. Their season runs from April through October. Mike Cannon says that sprint-car racing teaches kids teamwork, camaraderie, sportsmanship and more.
“They learn to follow the rules and that the rules are there to protect them,” the elder Cannon said.
Smutny says that sprint-car racing is a family-oriented sport and that WQMA members frequently reach out to the community.
“I think it’s phenomenal, the way our members have the time and energy to aid causes beyond our own club,” Smutny said.
Gymnastics
Leading Edge hosts Autum Leap Classic Led by the 35.7 all-around score posted by Alesia Stair, 9, of Arlington, the Everett-based Leading Edge Gymnastics Academy won the level-four team competition in a meet last Saturday that included teams from Auburn, Edmonds and Lacey. Leading Edge also had numerous all-around champions at level five, including Lauren Bath (9, Arlington), 35.825; Brittany Allen (11, Lake Stevens), 35.80 and Lily Anna Gaffney (8, Snohomish), 35.575.
Soccer
Fusion come together for title: The Edmonds-based Sno-King U-15 Fusion girls soccer team clinched the North County Youth Soccer Association Division One championship with a final record of 8-1-1. The Fusion posted six consecutive shutouts and outscored its opponents, 36-1. Team members are Megan Bosaw, Camille Colombana, Kaitlyn Dwan, Taryn Farley, Megan Ferris, Jennifer Grantham, Mia Gribble, Julie Grus, Brooke Horman, Jessica Keller, Annika Lindberg, Elizabeth McClintock, Lisa Nichols, Chelsea Olsen, Kelsey Petty, Nikki Tallman, Alissa Williams and Briea Wurtz.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
