Springfield Track Meet Raises Funds for Kids in Sports

Springfield families will gather at JFK Stadium on June 6 for a track meet that does more than crown winners. The third annual DK Memorial Track Meet raises funds so local children can access sports opportunities regardless of their family's financial situation.

The event supports Deverin's Locker, a program of Ambassadors for Children that provides equipment, registration fees, and activity support to kids who might otherwise sit on the sidelines. Through the program, families receive practical help that keeps children connected to teams and the life lessons sports provide.

Runners of all ages and skill levels can participate in officially timed events including the 100 meter dash, 800 meter run, hurdles, and relay races. The meet also features family-friendly activities like an inflatable costume run and a doughnut run, making it accessible to everyone from serious athletes to curious first-timers.

The track meet was created to honor Deverin King, whose legacy embodies the values sports teach: perseverance, discipline, teamwork, and encouragement. By connecting his memory to action, the community transforms grief into opportunity for the next generation.

Amanda Ingle, program director for Ambassadors for Children, explains the deeper purpose. "The DK Memorial Track Meet is about more than competition," she says. "It is an opportunity for the community to come together in a meaningful way while helping local children experience the confidence, belonging and life lessons that sports can provide."

The Ripple Effect

When one child gets access to sports, the benefits extend far beyond the playing field. Kids involved in athletics develop confidence that carries into classrooms and friendships. They learn to work with teammates from different backgrounds and to push through challenges rather than quit when things get hard.

The financial barriers that keep kids out of sports are often invisible to those who haven't faced them. A $50 registration fee or $100 for cleats can be impossible for families already choosing between groceries and utilities. Programs like Deverin's Locker remove those barriers quietly, letting kids focus on being kids instead of worrying about what they can't afford.

The meet takes place at 4 p.m. on June 6 at JFK Stadium. Community members can participate as runners, sponsors, or donors. Every dollar raised goes directly to ensuring local children get their turn to discover what they're capable of achieving.