Features Editor

Some people around the country are beginning to think Olympics, but around Pike County, it’s Relay time.

"That’s right; it’s Relay for Life time again," said Candace Norsworthy, intern for Relay publicity chairperson Terry Watkins. "It’s time to kick off the most exciting cancer fighting event in the nation."

The Pike County kickoff for Relay for Life 2002 is set for Thursday at South Alabama Electric Co-op o Highway 231 south of Troy.

"Team captains should arrive at 5 p.m. for the fun, food and frolic planned for the evening," Norsworthy said. "Packets of information will be distributed at the meeting and we will also enjoy a light dinner."

Norsworthy said those who have previously served as team captains, as well as those who are interested in beginning a team, are invited and encouraged to attend.

"We won’t ask for commitments Thursday night from those who come to find out more about forming a team," she said. "We hope to have all of the teams back from last year and many new teams for 2002."

Around 6 p.m. the fun will really being when "Big Barb and the Relayairs" hit the stage with their rendition of classic rock-n-roll Top 10 tunes.

"A short video of Anthony Romanczuk, an 11-year-old cancer survivor, will be shown," Norsworthy said. "Anthony was diagnosed with leukemia when he was about 7 years old. His story will be an inspiration to all of us."

For more information about the kickoff event or forming a Relay for Life team, contact Terry Watkins at 670-5000.