Soapbox racing is a tradition for this Optimist Club

Thirty children felt the need for speed when the Optimist Club of Columbia, Missouri hosted the 71st Annual Mid-Missouri Soapbox Derby in June.  The drivers ranged from 8 to 17 years of age, boys and girls.  Advancing to the next level of competition in Akron, Ohio were Trevor Tatlow and Kelsey Zwonitzer of Columbia and Kaylor Wright, a 17-year-old from Houston, Texas, who placed first in the master’s division.

According to the Optimist Club organizers, the soapbox derby is more than winning prizes and advancing in competition.  It is also a day of family fun where everyone learns teamwork and good sportsmanship. 

As with any Optimist Club activity, the community is encouraged to get involved and this year some local celebrities got in on the action with two adult-size soapbox cars.  In the first race, Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Phyllis Chase beat out  University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton.  In the second race Mayor Darwin Hindman nosed out Boone County Presiding Commissioner Ken Pearson.

What a wonderful tradition Optimists!  Keep racing forward. 

Photo courtesy of the Columbia Tribune, Julia Robinson photo.