Rotary Club Of Tsawwassen Hosts Soapbox Derby

On a sunny Saturday morning on 6^th Ave the first Annual Soap Box Derby hit the road with several spectators on hand to take in the sights and sounds.

With over 40 competitors in various looking contraptions, it was like a story of yesteryear with the Flintstones and Fred.

The event was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen which saw over 60 + volunteers helping out and along with the support of the Corporation of Delta, it was a huge success.

Councillor Sylvia Bishop was on hand along with Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord who made sure no one was driving and texting, which we all know is against the law.

Some, mostly Adults were somewhat surprised that youngsters aging from 9 to 12 would get off the I-Pad and/or computer long enough to take part, but they came out.

In total the on-lookers saw 43 cars racing in what some might call unique and well crafted with help from Dad or Grandpa or quite possibly even Grandma.

The colourful racing machines came down the hill at record speeds and with the help or Police and Fire they everyone remained safe.

“Because we’re Rotary we wanted to make this a fundraiser for us as well as providing some unique entertainment and opportunity for some kids to go down the hill,” says the club’s David Anderson.

He continued “says the club’s primary concern is for the racers to get down the hill safely and we want the kids to have a good time.”

In conversation with Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord he told me “It’s so great they put down their phones and their video games coming out to watch and cheer on the youngsters.”

The event was the first one held and along with Rona who supplied the material to build the cars, it was great to see the community of Tsawwassen show support, especially on such a sunny day.

Some cars had the “full meal deal” and displayed lights, sirens along with a custom paint job that reached over 28 Kilometers per hour.

True one concern was the rain we faced this past week, but King Sol was kind to the event organizers and competitors to hold off on what we call our “liquid sunshine”.

In conversation with Teagan Douglas he mentioned that he “loves the feel of the real wheel” and Hugo Helmuth tried a driving simulator a while back and just got the urge to race.

Some might say it was a time for the Family to “bond”, but others just wanted to give this a try and given the smiles, next year will be “sold out” early.

Thanks to the South Delta Rotary Club for the idea and many thanks to the volunteers who helped out.

Interesting to catch up with former Delta Police Chief Jim Cessford, who I am told is seeking the Liberal nomination for the Liberal Party of the South Delta Riding.

Rumour has it that Ian Paton might also seek the nomination and with Sportswave being completely unbiased, we wish them both much success.