Dear editor:

On behalf of Patrick Evans, Selma City Schools Athletic Director, and the Butterflies and Bridges Run Organizing committee, I would like to thank everyone who made our fifth annual race a success. Registration was off slightly but the quality of runners is getting better and we are seeing many repeat runners. We are excited to note that we are drawing runners to our city not only from Huntsville, Prattville, Montgomery and Birmingham but Florida, Oklahoma, Virginia and Massachusetts. Our own seasoned, competitive runners fared well, winning in the overall category and age groups.

We want to thank all the runners and walkers who made the event a success. We owe a special thank you to Hibbett Sports for providing the shirts each participant received and to Alana Hatter of Dallas County High for the great art that was printed on the shirts.

Funds raised this year will go towards video editing software called “Hudl” that quickly breaks down game films allowing coaches and players to analyze games played as well as upcoming opponents. Hudl also enables coaches and players to create professional quality player videos to aid in securing college scholarships. We are deeply indebted to Interlink Drug Company, International Paper, Winn Dixie, Carter Drug Company, First Cahawba Bank, Papa John’s Pizza of Selma, Reinhardt Lexus, Henry Brick Company, KFC of Selma, Great American Loans, Four Seasons Garden Center, Mayor George Evans and Selma City Council members for their generous contributions.

We received great drawing prizes from The St. James Hotel, Mark’s Mart, Tally-Ho Restaurant, Goo Goo’s Car Wash, Side Porch Sandwiches, The Coffee Shoppe, Golden Ranch Bar B Que and Grill, Four Seasons Garden Center, Moore-Stewart Ford, YMCA, Captain’s Corner and Target.

We are grateful to the Selma Police Department and the crossing guards for keeping us safe throughout the course and to AmeriCorps for sending volunteers to help us at the finish line.

We are already looking forward to next year’s event — a bigger race with more runners and walkers, another great art contest, stronger corporate sponsorship and even greater community involvement.

 

Bill Potter

Selma