Scranton athletes holding events to benefit charities
Published: November 3, 2009
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mark coons / staff photographer Scranton High School juniors, from left, Issiah Bridges, Fortino Baizan, Darren Albert and Arie Kazmierczak will be helping others through their senior projects. Bridges, Baizan and Albert have organized a fundraising volleyball tournament, while Kazmierczak has created a charity swimming event.
For four young men, their hard work will come to fruition this week and a pair of worthy charities will benefit.
Scranton High School juniors Issiah Bridges, Darren Albert and Fortino Baizan will be conducting a volleyball tournament to benefit St. Joseph's Center on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the high school gym, while Arie Kazmierczak will be conducting a Laps For Lupus swim-a-thon on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the high school pool.
For Bridges, his charity hits close to home.
"My 2-year-old sister, Allaih, has cerebral palsy and is developmentally disabled," the wrestler said. "So it is something that I see every day. But it's been fun working on this project and it's a great cause."
Recently, Kazmierczak found out that someone in his family can benefit from his project.
"There are so many good projects out there," the swimmer said. "My uncle Chris was just diagnosed with Lupus. Also, one of the mothers from the Sea Knights program has it as well. So, it is something that I have become familiar with."
All four are hoping that their projects will help those who are in need of assistance through their charities.
"We've seen it on TV and really thought that it was a great cause," Albert said. "One of the nice parts of the evening will be there to watch."
Baizan echoed Albert's sentiments.
"It gives you a good feeling to help those in need and give to a great cause," Baizan said.
Kazmierczak was thankful for the assistance he received to make his project a reality.
"From the beginning, setting up and organizing the project was the big thing." Kazmierczak said. "But for me, it never really was work. I had a lot of people who volunteered to help. We wrote some letters and went to businesses who were kind enough to donate prizes to be given out. Everybody has been great helping me with my project."
Contact the writer:mcoons@timesshamrock.com
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