Claremore Turtle Races

Several years ago, the Rubber Duckie left the small waterways of the bathtub, graduated to larger waters, and captured nationwide attention as thousands of little yellow ducks floated towards finish lines on rivers and lakes. On March 10 at the Claremore Super Rec Center’s swimming pool, an animal of a different sort will be setting to the water and the crowd will be seeing green.

4,000 little green turtles are in training now in anticipation of the annual “Luck O’ the Turtle Race” held every year to benefit Rogers County Youth Services and Volunteers for Youth. It takes more than agility to win in this race because until these turtles are adopted they cannot even get their feet wet. Adoption papers are located at the banking institutions around town.

To entice prospective parents, the sweet little green things will be racing in the water track at the Claremore Super Rec Center pool with a possibility to win fantastic prizes for their new parents.  Prizes for this year for the adoptive parents of the ten top racers ranges from a $1000 shopping spree at Wal-Mart to a $25 gift certificate for Cartridge World.

Cost for adoption is economical; for a mere $5 a turtle can take to the water. Those with generous hearts are encouraged to break out of their shells and increase the chance to win by taking advantage of special adoption rates called “Snap-pack of Turtles”. With these special rates, savings of up to $40 can be had.

The Turtle Race is an event that everyone looks forward to every year. Funds raised from the “Luck O’ the Turtle Race” will be used to further the services currently provided to the youth of Rogers County. In today’s world, youth are facing huge issues that make growing up difficult. Rogers County Youth Services and Volunteers for Youth are on the forefront in providing programs and services designed to help the future adults of Rogers County.

Director of Volunteers for Youth Melynda Stone explains, “Youth deal with a broad range of issues at home, school, and with their peers. The staff at both organizations is well trained and offers support to youth and families who are experiencing some of life’s problems.”

The proceeds from this event will further fund things like the Emergency Shelter Care, mentoring through the PAL program (Positive Adult Leadership), and an after school program for 4th -8th graders called BLAST (Building Lasting Accomplish-ments in Students Today).

“There is no substitute for loving parents and a good home. But when that is not an option, our shelter services are available.” said Stone  “The  shelter strives to offer great food, a fun and structured environment, and most importantly, people who care and respect the potential in youth.” The shelter is open 24 hours a day and house youth 11 through 17 years of age from Rogers and surrounding counties.

This Mission of Rogers County Youth Services is to see every youth succeed in life. “Nobody is the best at everything, but each person has strengths and weaknesses. We want to help families utilize their abilities to overcome the difficulties that are faced in everyday life.”  Stone said.

All services are provided free of charge thanks to the generous support of our community. For more information or to adopt a turtle, please contact Rogers County Youth Services at (918) 341-7580. Race Day is Saturday, March 10, 2007. There will be a  Turtlicious Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge. Family Fun and Concessions will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m at the Claremore Super Recreation Center. Last Minute turtle adoptions will be until 12:30 p.m. The Corporate  Turtle Race launch is set for 1:30 p.m.

For more inform­­ation, contact

Rogers County Youth Services

(918) 341-7580