It might be one of the oldest sports, dating back to its Native American roots, but the sport of lacrosse is relatively new to the Tri-Town and its popularity is growing rapidly.
With the sport’s recent promotion to varsity status at Old Rochester Regional High School, there is now a great need for fundraising. For the second year in a row, the Old Rochester Youth Lacrosse League will hold a Lax Fest to help raise money for both the youth and high school programs.
“The School Committee voted last year to approve lacrosse becoming a varsity sport, but there was a catch,” said Rachel Deery, one of the Lax Fest coordinators. “The program has to be self funded by the Youth Lacrosse League. The ORR Athletics Booster Club money cannot go towards the program for the first three years of its existence.”
Lax Fest will be held on Saturday, May 12, from 12:00 to 4:30 pm at ORR High School. The event will feature lacrosse clinics for kids ages 4-7 run by the ORR Girls’ Lacrosse teams, a Boy’s Lacrosse Game at 3:00 pm, silent auction, bake sale, a moonbounce and other games.
“Saturday will be all about lacrosse,” said Deery. “The focus will be lacrosse and the playing of lacrosse.”
The youth clinic is free and the only equipment attendees will need to bring is a lacrosse stick. Everything else will be provided. DJ Michael Rock of Fun 107.1 will also be on site to announce players before the game.
“It’s nice to support a team that doesn’t always draw a lot of attention,” Deery said.
For those who don’t know a lot about the sport of lacrosse, Deery, whose son is in the youth program, encourages them to check it out.
“It’s just really fun, you can see it in the kid’s faces,” said Deery. “The popularity is exponential that we’re drawing in our programs. There are no dead moments in a game of lacrosse, it’s so fast-paced. If we’re talking about exercise for children, there are so many benefits.”
The event is free of charge and a rain date of Saturday, May 19 has been scheduled. For any questions, contact Rachel Deery at 508-758-3925.
By Katy Fitzpatrick