A reality T.V. game show will come to life in the Tri-Cities next month when the Coquitlam-Sunrise Rotarians return with their Amazing Race.
Up to 40 teams will be whirling around the region - and may even cross the bridge into Pitt Meadows - to complete some 40 challenges during the seven-hour adventure.
Clive Evans, a club past president, said the teams of four people each will converge at Place Maillardville in Coquitlam on Saturday, June 16. And, just like on the television program, groups will have to complete their assignments before they receive the next clue.
Evans was mum about what sort of tasks are involved over the day at the sponsored-based locations; however, in previous races, participants were pitted against each other in putting competitions, joined scavenger hunts at the Coquitlam Ikea store, paddled canoes at Lafarge Lake, ran the Coquitlam Crunch, performed skills wearing impaired glasses and were asked to make creative luncheons.
The club's Amazing Race has been on hiatus for a few years because of organizational difficulties. But Evans said he knows of a woman from Ontario and a past participant who frequently inquires about when the next Amazing Race will be. "She wants to build her vacation around it," he said. "She just loved it last time. We get that a lot. It's so popular."
"It's a ton of fun," Rotarian Chris Wilson added. "You learn more about the Tri-Cities area and, from the corporate side, it's a great team-building event."
Malcolm Kennedy, also a past president, said the timing couldn't be better as the race lands just before Father's Day "and what better way to spend some quality time with your dad and family?" he asked.
The proceeds also go to a great cause.
The race, which is sponsored in part by The Tri-City News, is expected to generate around $10,000 to support literacy programs for students in the Tri-Cities (the club's other big fundraisers include Operation Red Nose and the Fall Classic Golf Tournament at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club).
As for the winning team? "They get bragging rights of being named the best Amazing racers," Kennedy said. "It's all in good sport."
The deadline to register teams is Wednesday, May 23 at midnight. Individuals that sign up can be matched with teams needing players. The cost is $199 for fun teams or $299 for competitive teams (involving more difficult tasks), and the price includes lunch and dinner. As well, teams need to supply a vehicle, a phone with GPS and a digital camera. For more information, visit rotarysamazingrace.com or email [email protected].
