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Zelie challenge 'great success'

Event for park exceeds $800

ZELIENOPLE — The Ultimate Zelie Challenge brought in more than $800 Sunday for the borough community park.

The strength and agility course designed by Zachary Baker, 12, was tackled by 71 participants.

The course was influenced by one of Zachary’s favorite TV shows, “American Ninja Warrior,” and featured a rock climbing wall, push up and sit up contests and rope crossings.

Zachary said he aims to have more features next year.

“I think we had a great turnout for the first year,” he said. “It was a great success.”

Proceeds will go toward creating a new playground for the park.

Zelienople parks director Alecia Flood said she is proud of Zachary and his efforts to improve the park he loves.

“It’s going to be a great addition. It’s going to be used a lot,” Flood said. “I knew it was going to be successful.”

Zachary’s mother, Joella Baker, is organizing a youth triathlon for 8 a.m. Sunday at the park. Those interested can register at Baker’s website, getfitfamilies.com or at the park before the event.

Winners of the challenge are:

Overall Male, Jeremy Spicher, 16, of Beaver Falls

Overall Female, Cat Beresnyak, 12, of Seven Fields

Men 19 and older, Hitoshi Kinoshita, 22, of Mars

Boys 13-18, Max Skeen, 13, of Cranberry Township

Girls 11-12, Alaina Hicks, 11, of Mars

Girls 9-10, Julia Gagnon, 10, of Mars

Girls 8 and younger, Ella Schupp, 8, of Mars

Boys 11-12, Gabriel Singh, 12, of Valencia

Boys 9-10, Evan Kurpakus, 9, of Valencia

Boys 8 and younger, Jackson Brandt, 7, of Zelienople.

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