Patrick Grimley/#PLAYLAXDAY 2018
MARGATE – Twelve-year-old Patrick Grimley of Margate loves playing lacrosse for the Margate Riptides. He also believes in being an advocate for change in the world. Patrick has combined his two loves and will be hosting the second annual #PLAYLAXDAY, a lacrosse round-robin tournament for children, being held starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Eugene A. Tighe Middle School athletic field.
“It’s going to be bigger and better this year,” Patrick said.
He has already begun his planning this year’s event by enlisting the support of the Margate Recreation Department, which is lining the fields and providing promotional support, and the Margate Riptides lacrosse team coaches to ensure the tournament has more of a festival vibe.
Patrick worked with Margate Recreation Director Andrew Miles to create brackets, divisions, and he is recruiting volunteers for the festival portion of the event.
Proceeds will benefit the Our Children Making Change organization, which provides children of all ages with opportunities to do chores to support charitable causes in their own communities.
Children make change by being active volunteers and raising funds that are donated to local charities.
According to Our Children Making Change Founder Laura Dulac of Margate, 100% of the proceeds of all events the children put on are donated to area charities. To date, more than 3,000 children have helped their communities by raising more than $500,000 for local charities, according to the organization’s website. This year’s beneficiaries of the pint-sized fundraisers conducted by children in the Downbeach and Mainland areas are 21 Down, Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Atlantic County Humane Society, Heart of Surfing, Kira Foundation and Leadership Studio.
Patrick said it is his second year raising funds for OCMC, but his little sister Katie, 11, has been involved for several years. Children who join OCMC are required to raise $100 doing chores during the summer.
But according to Patrick, his event raised enough to cover his sister, his cousins and friend Jackson Turner – a total of $450.
“It’s one of the bigger events in relation to the fundraisers that raise $25 to $50,” he said.
During the inaugural event last year, Patrick charged a mere $5 per person to play in the tournament, which attracted 85 participants. The registration fee will stay at $5 this year, he said. But to raise even more money, the event includes a barbecue and concessions “to expand our horizons,” he said.
Up to seven people can play on a team in the 4-on-4 matchups. Teams play 20 minutes in a round-robin schedule. Patrick said he is hoping to have eight team in each age group category: U10, U12 and U15.
Register by filling out the form below and send it via email to margateplaylaxday@gmail.com.
