While the stars of NASCAR prepare to do battle in the Last Great Colosseum, Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) is gearing up to provide two big days of regional rivalry.
The charity, which provides assistance to dozens of child-based non-profit organizations in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, will host the 18th Annual Speedway Children's Charities Golf Tournament Monday, Aug. 17. Sponsored by Baker's Construction Services and held at Tri Cities Golf Course in Blountville, Tenn., the tournament is a favorite marking the start of Race Week.
"This is a very exciting time of year for us," said Claudia Byrd, executive director of the Bristol Chapter of SCC. "Race Week inspires such a great competitive spirit in the community, and it's fantastic to see that play out on the fairways, especially knowing that it's all in support of our area children."
Registration begins at 10 a.m. with a luncheon at 11 a.m. and shotgun start at Noon. Cost for a team of four is $750; individuals may also play for $150 each. To register, call 423-989-6975. Additional sponsors include Tele-Optics and ABC 19.
Competition continues Tuesday, Aug. 18 with the NRA Shooting Stars Tournament, hosted by Shooter's Edge in Piney Flats, Tenn. The event offers the chance for local registrants to contend alongside drivers from NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series as they take aim at 15 different indoor targets. Cost per team of four is $650. To register, call 423-989-6975. Additional sponsors include ABC 19, Mitch Cox Companies and Acorn Electrical.
"It's such an honor to host these events," said Byrd. "We have the privilege of welcoming in longtime friends and new faces to these tournaments, and later in the year seeing the very joyful result of everyone's efforts at the Night of Smiles. Everyone who participates in these tournaments or supports Speedway Children's Charities can share in that feeling, knowing they are making a positive and direct impact in the lives of children throughout our region."
In 2014, the Bristol Chapter distributed $749,000 to 88 organizations, a record amount in the chapter's 18-year history. Proceeds or a portion of the proceeds from all events benefit the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities.
For more information on participating in these Race Week events or to learn more about Speedway Children's Charities, visit www.Bristol.SpeedwayCharities.org.