Backyard Games a Great Success!

The Rotary Club of Solon hosted the first annual “Solon Backyard Games” at the Solon Community Park on Sunday, July 22, 2012.  Sixteen teams (each of 7 or more people) from Solon, other parts of Northeast Ohio, and as far away as Minnesota and California, competed in six sporting events throughout the day, including bocce, cornhole, golf chipping, kan jam (a frisbee game), “around the world” (basketball shooting), and “over the line” (softball hitting).  “Swagelok 2,” a team made up of Swagelok employees, was declared the Backyard Games champion after a narrow and exciting half-point victory over the Allstate Rob Previte Agency team.

Participants also enjoyed a boxed lunch and a cookout dinner, including items donated by a number of area restaurants and businesses, along with a performance by local band Run Avril Run.  Approximately $7,000 was raised.  The funds will support the Rotary Club of Solon’s local charitable and community projects.  Event chairman Rob Previte said “The Backyard Games was a great success, and we’re grateful for everyone’s participation and support.  We’re looking forward to the second Backyard Games back next July!”

The Rotary Club of Solon thanks all of the participants and the volunteers, as well as the City of Solon and particularly the Recreation Department, who provided significant logistical support, manpower and equipment for the Backyard Games.  Events were sponsored by Swagelok (Over the Line and Bocce), SS&G (Kan Jam), Apple Growth Partners (Golf Chipping), Allstate – Rob Previte Agency, Inc. (Cornhole), and Forest City (Around the World).  Fastener Tool & Supply, Inc. was the Backyard Games’ Equipment Sponsor, and Bradley Stone Industries Limited sponsored the event program.  Superior Beverage provided banners for the event.  Evans Printing provided discounted printing services, Minotas Trophies and Awards donated medals for the winning teams and ABL Screen Printing provided the official Backyard Games t-shirts.  Signature of Solon provided equipment and planning for the meals, as well as assembling the boxed lunches and storing donated food items.  Food donors include Aleschi’s, Chicago Deli, Giant Eagle, Joey’s, Joshen Paper, Land O Frost, Orlando Bakery, Panini’s of Solon, Shaker Valley Meats, and Sirnas, as well as an anonymous supplier.