Fallen officer's legacy helps promote team building; $5,000 raised for law enforcement academy

Submitted Photo: 1st Annual Craig Shaw Olympics raised $5,000 with net proceeds going to the Cedar Valley College Law Enforcement Academy. Lancaster Police Officer Craig Shaw was killed in the line of duty Father’s Day of last year. The event taught kids

By Special Contributor Chris Burris

LANCASTER - Sometimes you have to sit back, smile, and ask yourself, “Wow, is this really happening?” Such was the case with the “1st Annual Craig Shaw Team Building Olympics.”

Held at the Lancaster High School Beverly Humphrey Stadium on Saturday, April 29, the joy and excitement was everywhere.

To start off, the event was given the honor of being joined by Officer Craig Shaw’s wife and two wonderful children whose attendance reaffirmed the reason for holding the Olympics, to help pass the torch of loyalty, honor and teamwork onto the future generations of our communities. 

Hosted by the Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce, the event raised nearly $5,000 to benefit the Cedar Valley College Law Enforcement Academy.    

With much appreciation, the GSWBCC was also very fortunate to have a wonderful selection of vendors to choose from including Hatley Brothers Roofing, Scentsy, Vicki Mallet, CPA, Multi Care Home Health Services, Peaceful Images Child Development Center, Wells Fargo Bank, Amazing Occasions, Hart Referrals, Love the Skin Your In, AIG Insurance just to name a few.

Sponsors of the event included CIA Machinery, Cold War Air Museum, Peaceful Images Child Development Center, Hatley Bros II Roofing, Lancaster Independent School District and Changing Courses. 

In addition, GSWBCC Vice Chairman Johnny Bailey in position as the mobile emcee, getting everyone juiced up to participate in the team building exercises and grow as team players.

After the first round of games, all in attendance got the opportunity to hear from the youth who got out on the field and worked together.

“When I went to the Craig Shaw Olympics, Lancaster’s fallen police officer, the event taught me the basics of working hard as a human being and how teamwork is the key to being successful in life” stated 7th Grade Advantage Academy Student Adrian Hogan.

“It taught me that no matter how long or hard your goal may take to be achieved as long as you strive and keep your head up anyone can be successful. It also gave me the confidence and the ability to never give up and help those that I work with and help those I do not know.”