Programs...The HAA is Helping in Hopkinton...
                          (and elsewhere, too.....!)

Our "General Principles" include:

    • Accessibility - HAA initiatives are accessible to all citizens of the Town and region.
    • Civic Responsibility - The HAA promotes broadbased volunteerism and citizen involvement in both its governance and program activities.
    • Collaboration - The HAA makes every effort to work towards community consensus, and collaborate with other organizations and town departments.
    • Transparency - Information about the HAA, its funding, and its activities will be available for public review and understanding.

 

Grants and Gifts:  One of the HAA's objectives is to award grants and gifts to organizations in need.  The HAA is currently in the midst of a multi-year $20,000 commitment to Special Olympics for local & regional participatory programs, as well as a multi-year commitment in support of improvements and renovation to the high school athletic field and track, an area that also serves as Athlete's Village for the Marathon start. 

Last year, the began supporting East Coast Jumbos, a special needs youth hockey program.  In the past 4 years, the HAA also made donations to the Girls Scouts, the Timlin Race in support of ALS research, Juvenile Diabetes Fund, The Lymphoma and Leukemia Foundation, and the Hopkinton Council on Aging, the "Run Around Hopkinton Relay" in support of the Dana Farber Institute for Cancer Research, to the Hopkinton Park and Recreation Department, to the Hopkinton Council on Aging, the Post-Prom Committee, and to the Town's "Champion Team" sign program.  Click here for a "2008 Year in Review" for all of HAA's activities.

Many of these gifts are funded through the "Team Hopkinton" charity runner program (see additional info elsewhere on the website.)   In 1997, the HAA contributed $110,000 towards the construction of the High School track -- home to 7 consecutive girls state championship teams!  After the 100th running of the Boston Marathon, the HAA donated over $35,000 to local non-profit organizations.  The HAA will consider gift and grant proposals during the third quarter of each year.

Children's Marathon Fitness Challenge:  Beginning in 2008, the HAA is working cooperatively with the Elmwood elementary school to introduce its 3rd grade students to a health and fitness program.  The students will be able to run their own "marathon" in increments while learning more about fitness and health.  Read more about it here (click.)

Marathon Kick-Off Event:  The weekend before the Boston Marathon, the HAA kicks-off Marathon Week with a celebration open to all.  The 2008 and 2007 events brought the MetroWest Symphony Orchestra to play inspiring music at a concert and reception.  Read more about it here (click.)  The 2008 event will also unveil the sculpture of George V. Brown shown with traditional starter's pistol.  Read more about it here (click) and here (click.)  The 2006 prelude to the 110th Marathon celebrated the "Spirit of the Marathon" with special guests Mico Kaufman, sculptor of the "Spirit of the Marathon" (see below) and Nick Tsiotos, author of Running With Pheidippides: Stylianos Kyriakides, the Miracle Marathoner. The 2005 dinner was held at the mile-1 mark under the tent at Weston Nurseries.  Dick and Rick Hoyt, enthralled the crowd of 160 with a presentation on their many Boston Marathons, road races, and triathalons, including the Ironman in Hawaii -- Dick providing the muscle and Rick in his wheelchair providing the inspiration.

Sister City:  The HAA worked with the Board of Selectmen and others in Hopkinton to establish a formal Sister City relationship with Marathon, Greece.  In 2008, the HAA brought 8 Greek runners to stay with Hopkinton families and participate in the race and activities.  Special events were held featuring the runners, the Mayor of Marathon, and representatives from the Greek Embassy.  Significantly, the City of Marathon presented Hopkinton with the "Marathon Flame" an eternal flame which burns in Marathon, Greece and now has a permanent home in Hopkinton.  Read more about it here (click) and read Mayor Zagaris' China speech here (click.)   Working cooperatively with New Balance, in 2006 the HAA brought to Hopkinton a bronze sculpture titled "The Spirit of the Marathon" by artist Mico Kaufman, which depicts Stylianos Kyriakides the winner of the 1946 Boston Marathon.  Kyriakides was emaciated and hadn't raced in 6 years when he came to Hopkinton to start the 50th race in 1946, but he was determined to draw attention to the plight of his war and famine ravaged homeland.  The 12' x 8' sculpture is a replica of the first one cast for the City of Marathon, Greece for the 2004 Olympics.  The monument to marathoning was installed near the Mile-1 mark in Spring 2006.  In 2007, the HAA supported the photo exhibition "From Dawn to the Gun" which traveled from the New England Sports Museum to the City of Marathon, Greece Read more about it here (click.)  See also the City of Marathon website (click.)
Mayor Zagaris at Start
Three Greek Finishers
 
Marathon Art Contest:  Sponsored by 21st Century Benefits and RM Clark Associates, and in conjunction with several community groups, the HAA sponsors a student art contest.  The posters were to reflect on the themes "Boston Marathon" and "It All Starts Here."  Winners were exhibited on the Town Common during Marathon weekend.  Click here for the 2009 entry form.

Partners in Need:  From time to time the HAA lends its administrative and financial expertise to local organizations in need.  For example, in 2008 the HAA has partnered with the Friends of the Common in support of their efforts to renovate and improve the Town Common and gazebo.  In 2006, the HAA raised funds for the Hoyt family when they were in need of a new wheelchair accessible van (see "Projects and Results" page.)  The HAA also partners with the Hopkinton Running Club on a variety of projects.