Kids Stomps Out Cancer With The Dyker Heights Athletic Association

By Steven Girgenti

Hundreds of neighborhood children laced up their sneakers and toed the starting line in preparation for the 9th annual Cure Cancer Marathon hosted by the Dyker Heights Athletic Association (DHAA) on Saturday, June 6. The kids were not just there to compete against each other, but also for a great cause – to beat cancer.

The DHAA is a non-profit athletic organization serving the Brooklyn community since 1997. Based out of St. Bernadette Church on 83rd street and 13th avenue, it provides local youth with a place to learn and stay active by playing sports, including baseball, softball, basketball, flag football, and soccer.

This year, proceeds from the Cure Cancer Marathon will benefit breast and pediatric cancer research. In years past, the DHAA has raised money for breast cancer research (raised more than $30,000), the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund (raised $40,000), and the Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation (raised $80,000).

The race took place in the streets surrounding the church, with the finish line bringing all participants into the schoolyard of St. Bernadette School. In the schoolyard, trophies were handed out to children with the best overall times in their respective grade.

The fun did not stop there: kids took advantage of a myriad of carnival rides, moon bounces, and the popular dunk tank, where kids got to take turns trying to sink their coaches. There was also a petting zoo and a raffle at th end.

To learn more about the event and how you can get involved, go to www.knightsaa.org  and click on the marathon tab.