SALT LAKE CITY — The Parish Athletic Recreation Association (PARA) is looking forward to spring and the start of their new soccer program and track meet "Run for Shoes." The soccer games will begin May 7 and run every Sunday until June 11. The registration deadline is March 29. At that time, coaches will be assigned to teams. All students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in any parish or Catholic school are invited to register. Registration forms may be obtained from the athletic director of each parish or Catholic school. "We want this league to be relaxed and fun, and an opportunity for families to spend time together," said Kelly Terrill, a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Salt Lake City, who will head the PARA soccer program. "It will not be a highly competitive league." Each participant will receive shorts, a jersey, and socks included in his or her registration fee. The uniforms will be ordered through Real Salt Lake, the major league soccer association in Utah. This will enable PARA to hold a one-week soccer camp following the soccer season. Run for Shoes is a track meet put on by PARA in May to raise money to buy shoes for less fortunate children. Willie Price, commissioner of PARA, hopes to raise enough money to purchase 1,000 pairs of shoes. "Each student athlete races against the clock or against the tape measure," said Sam Aloia, who is in charge of Run for Shoes. "It is a track meet for elementary school students from all over the Salt Lake Valley. The track team and football players from Judge Memorial Catholic High School set up the event, and help run each relay." Price rents a field from one of the schools, and makes sure everyone is insured. After expenses are paid, the proceeds go toward buying shoes. All participants really enjoy the meet, and parents help out by making an additional donation while paying their child’s registration fee. Price said the most important aspect of PARA is to give anyone who wants to play basketball or any of the other PARA sports, an opportunity to play and have fun. We want it to be a good experience for the youth in a safe, Christian environment. "By teaching the values of teamwork, healthy competition, good sportsmanship, and respect for self, other team members, competitors, coaches, referees, parents, and fans, the Catholic sponsored athletic programs can reinforce Christian values and a lifestyle essential for the formation of responsible adults," said Price. "There are more than 1,500 students and more than 300 coaches involved in the PARA program. Mary Fasig, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, serves as the chairwoman for PARA. She said people do not realize how large the PARA program is and how many lives it touches. It is the largest youth organization in the diocese that has a large number of adults involved as well. Gym coordinators, athletic directors, and coaches put in a lot of volunteer hours for PARA, which helps the program be successful. Fasig said being involved in PARA is good for the youth because it allows those who are not great athletes an opportunity to play a sport and at the same time develop both their self-esteem and their athletic abilities. Price, a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Salt Lake City, began his involvement as a youth director when his children were young and the program was called the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). He said he has remained involved for more than 50 years because he is concerned about the youth and wants to offer them something meaningful to occupy their time so they stay out of trouble. Price said he hopes to live to be 99 years old and still be able to contribute to the youth of the community. "It takes all of us doing a little to get things accomplished," said Price. "The PARA board works well together and is a well-rounded team. The board members include John Morrell, president and St. Ann Parish athletic director and gym coordinator; Joyce Acosta, Diocesan Zero Tolerance officer; Skip Acosta, resolution committee chairman; Ernie Reyes, co-ed softball and co-ed volleyball chairman; John Miller, St. John the Baptist, Draper athletic director and gym coordinator; Tom Avila, youth volleyball chairman; Michael Fuoco, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Sandy athletic director; Kelly Terrill, soccer, and Sam Aloia, "Run for Shoes." Price said the great thing about PARA is generations of families have been involved over the years. He remembers many of the youth who are now either coaches, or have children who are playing in the league. "I believe for our Catholic unity to continue growing and developing, we need to start with our youth," said Fuoco. "There is no better place to start than with athletics," said Fuoco. The teams are not just from the Diocese of Salt Lake City, they also include Christ United Church, Intermountain Christian School, Prophet Elias School, and teams from the Greek Orthodox Church, Salt Lake City.
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