Supporting local sports and activities promotes healthy living for the whole community and teaches children fundamental values like a strong work ethic, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Studies consistently show that physically active people can mitigate their risk factors for heart disease and hypertension; improve muscle and bone health; improve sleep; and control weight. Regular exercise also helps students perform better academically.
The law office of Althauser Rayan Abbarno has advocated and supported sporting events and teams throughout Lewis and Thurston counties. They believe every child should have an opportunity to participate in sports regardless of their financial situation and sponsoring teams, organizations, and activities is a way to reduce or eliminate the costs.
“As a law firm and as a local business with strong roots in this community, we believe it is our responsibility to give back,” said Todd Rayan, partner with Althauser Rayan Abbarno. “We all live and work locally, so we want to help improve the quality of life for our neighbors.”
What are some local sports and activities you should consider?
Little League Baseball
Little League Baseball is a great way to get your children and family active and involved. “Centralia Little League is focused on teaching life skills through the great game of baseball in a way that brings the community together and teaches kids that hard work pays off,” said Chet Womach, Vice-President of Centralia Little League. “We love how baseball is a game that can give kids of all shapes and sizes a place where they can feel like part of a team.”
Established in 1952, the league has maintained a rich tradition serving the community for over 60 years. “My wife, Holly, and I had a great time coaching the ‘Legal Eagles’ last year,” said Peter Abbarno, partner with Althauser Rayan Abbarno. “The players learn a lot of valuable lessons and it’s very rewarding to coach and sponsor a team. Thank you to all the volunteers, coaches, parents, and especially the players.”
If you are interested in playing, coaching, sponsoring a team, or volunteering, please visit CentraliaLittleLeague.com or email us at info@centraliabaseball.com with attention to Chet Womach.
Lewis County Special Olympics
The Mission of the Lewis County Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type-events for children and adults with disabilities. Special Olympics provides athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy by participating and sharing their gifts and skills. “We love that Lewis County Special Olympics celebrates abilities, not disabilities,” said Todd Rayan. “Not only are we proud to sponsor and support the Special Olympics, each year we send Peter Abbarno to run the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run and into the cold Puget Sound for the Polar Plunge!”
Contributions to the Lewis County Special Olympics can be sent to the Centralia Police Officers Fund courtesy of the LC Special Olympics, PO Box 670, Centralia, WA 98531. For more information, contact Michele Tomes at (360) 508-3643 or Meja Handlen at (360) 880-6314.
Youth Soccer
Soccer (football) remains one of the most popular sports in the world and is continuing to grow in popularity in the United States. In Southwest Washington, Soccer is alive and well. “Our goal for Centralia Youth is to teach youth the fundamentals of soccer, and learn how to collaborate as a team,” said Keith Neeley, President of Centralia Youth Soccer. “Soccer for Centralia is the largest recreational youth sport with over 500 kids playing just in the fall. If it wasn't for our volunteers and the local sponsors, like Althauser Rayan Abbarno and the Abbarno family, we would not be as successful.”
Currently, we are registering players 8 to 18 years old for our Spring Season. You can register at www.centraliayouthsoccer.com. We also have an in-person registration 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at Borst Park Kitchen 2.
Run ‘Forrest’ Run
Turkey Trot
The attorneys and staff partner with Thorbeckes Athletic Club and Pacific Sports Spa to sponsor the Annual Turkey Trot in Chehalis the morning of Thanksgiving. In 2018, the sponsors supported the Boys and Girls Club of Chehalis.
According to Women’s Running Magazine, Thanksgiving is the most popular day of the year to run. The Turkey Trot race started in 1896 in Buffalo, New York, where it remains the longest consecutively run race in the world. Look for more information coming about the 2019 Turkey Trot sponsored by Althauser Rayan Abbarno!
Run Amok Irish Running Club
Althauser Rayan Abbarno has been proud to sponsor and take part in the Run Amok Irish Running Club from the beginning. The Run Amok Irish Running Club welcomes walkers and runners for a 5K every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. starting at O’Blarney’s at the Gibson House in Centralia. Events begin the week of St. Patrick’s Day through Halloween!
Many great opportunities exist for participation in races, local sports, and physical activities throughout our community. To learn more about events near you, visit discoverlewiscounty.com, chamberway.com, or the Parks and Recreation Departments where you live.
