03/19/2026
Westborough ASP's Olympics (formerly known as the Rock-a-thon) was a great success and a fun and informative day. It was a full house with almost 80 people in attendance, with 8 teams of youth competing for Gold in Olympic- and ASP- themed games.
Each team was named for a different County in Appalachia that was visited by Westborough ASP work crews. They created flags and shared statistics and more about the counties they "came from" such as median income, % graduating high school, population, etc. It was interesting to compare with Westborough's statistics.
With a focus on the 3 S's of Stewardship, Safety, and Sensitivity, plus Olympic themes such as team-work, respect, excellence, and friendly competition; our events, games, presentations, and conversations provided plenty of fun, but also provided important information about Central Appalachia. Videos provided some cultural exposure, showing us some of the challenges, struggles, and transitions from coal to other types of industry and commerce in the areas we will serve, and how that transition along with public policy can effect the families who live there.
We reviewed types of tools and projects, we discussed the importance of stewardship by learning about the cost of supplies, and learned what it might take to make needed repairs and improvements on someone's home.
See if you recognize some of the Olympic-style games! Check out the opening and closing ceremonies, complete with torch lighting and medal presentations. Very exciting! (Did you know that 2 of our high school volunteers designed and 3D printed the medals? Impressive!)
We hope you enjoy viewing these moments we captured - can you find someone you know?
Thank you to all those who supported our important fundraiser and those who continue to help us get to Appalachia. And, congratulations to the medal winners and to all participants! It was a fantastic day.
