Pat Polletta Memorial Trophy

The YWCA Pat Polletta Memorial Trophy is given to a young woman, currently a high school junior from a school within the greater Newburyport area, who consistently:

• attains athletic achievement in either cross country or track and field
• exhibits leadership qualities by serving as a mentor and role model to her teammates
• demonstrates a commitment to community service through word and action

The YWCA Board of Directors selects the winner and presents the award to her at the Annual Meeting in April.

The winning student will receive a trophy and a $100 US Savings Bond, donated through the generosity of Rick Bayko of the Yankee Runner.  The names of all the winners of the Pat Polletta Memorial Trophy are inscribed on a plaque which is on permanent display at the YWCA Greater Newburyport.

Background

For 28 years the YWCA Greater Newburyport held the Annual Pat Polletta Road Race. The race offered competition for running enthusiasts of all ages, levels and abilities.  Upon Mr. Polletta’s death in 2005, the YWCA established the Pat Polletta Memorial Trophy as a fitting tribute to a man who was a staunch believer in providing opportunity to young women.

Pat Polletta was a resident of Amesbury and ran three marathons in the 1930s and 40s. He was paralyzed by an injury sustained while working at sea.  When he returned to Massachusetts, he trained at the YWCA pool daily for more than 20 years.  He spearheaded the creation of the first girls’ track program in the Merrimack Valley and coached the Amesbury High School cross-country and track teams for many years.  He was a life-long advocate of fitness as a powerful means to build self-esteem and empower young people.

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13 Market Street, Newburyport, Massachusetts 01950 | Phone: 978-465-9922 | Fax: 978-465-1076