Jaguar Timer Gives Back to His Community
For many years, students at Tuscarora School celebrated the end of the school year with a trip to the local amusement park with teachers, staff, and family. When budget cuts put an end to this fun tradition, fourth grade teacher Paul Beatty sat down with representatives from the PTA and administrators to come up with a new and exciting “Fun Day” for the kids to enjoy.
Paul is not only a teacher at the school, he is also a Jaguar timer. As the President and owner of Race Management Solutions, his company provides professional timing and finish line services for hundreds of running races across New York state including such events as the Mighty Niagara Half Marathon, Run The Burg 5K, and Susan G Komen Race For The Cure to name a few.
The relay was designed as a sort of obstacle course with students riding tricycles, hopping in a potato sack, carrying an egg on a spoon, putting on a silly costume, scavenger hunt, and finally a short 1/10th of a mile sprint to the finish line where classmates, family and staff would cheer them on! Beatty provided live results throughout the day, music, and even called out the names of all the participants as they crossed the finish line adding to the excitement. Finish line photos were taken using their Jaguar Snapshot camera system and the photos (along with custom finisher certificates) were uploaded to the results page and could be shared and printed for free by the students after the race.
The relay race is held in conjunction with the school’s annual Bike Rodeo that was started by Beatty some 15 years ago. With the help of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Traffic and Safety staff and a few deputies from the department, students can bring their own bikes to school and have them inspected for safety. Members of the K-Kids Club and other student volunteers then put the riders through a five-phase rodeo circuit meant to assess the skills of each rider. Students are given a report which graded their skills and informed them about techniques which might be improved upon, to enable them to be safer operators on the road.
Beatty also donates and raises funds so that ANY student who does not have a bike will receive a brand new one for FREE! Last year alone some 20 students were given a brand new bike to take home, and over 200 bikes have been given away since the program began. It’s a great way to herald the start of a safe biking season and a fun way to end the school year!
Race Management Solutions has been hired by hundreds or charity organizations over the years to provide registration, timing, and finish line services. His family has also founded a number of great local events that they personally promote and manage. With the help of his family and friends, some amazing volunteers, and the support of a great local running community, these events have raised well over $1,000,000 for a wide range of charities, school programs, non-profits, and youth organizations!
The Tuscarora School Bike Rodeo and Fun Day is closed to the general public.
We welcome you to join us for the Tuscarora Nation 10K and 2.5 Mile Run/Walk.