Parents for Physical Fitness Launched Fundraising Drive to Help Restore Freshmen and Jayvee Sports at Warde and Ludlowe 37 Years Ago This Week

The recent article which recalled the lobby by coaches, teachers, parents, and students to restore freshmen and jayvee sports at Andrew Warde and Roger Ludlowe high schools 37 years ago elicited a response from one of our readers.

One Warde alumnus wrote that 1972 "was the year of the 'Save Our Sports' walk that began on the Andrew Warde campus and went across town to the Roger Ludlowe campus before winding its way back to Warde. Walkers obtained pledges in an effort to raise money to aid in the restoration of the sports programs destined to be cut following the million dollar budget cut in May 1972."

Coincidentally, an article appeared in the Bridgeport Post on this date --- Saturday, August 12, 1972 --- about the group Parents for Physical Fitness, which was about to launch a fundraising drive to help reinstate the athletic program which was eliminated due to the $1 million budget cut.

The prime effort to raise $30,000, according to the group, would be a 'March to Save our Sports' on Labor Day weekend, according to Mrs. Dudley Grape, chairman of the group, and Fern Tetreau, Warde's illustrious first football coach who won a state championship 50 years ago this Fall.

The march was planned to start at Warde and follow a 10-mile course through the center of Fairfield and back to Warde. Townspeople, merchants, and all interested persons were asked to contribute by making a donation or sponsoring a child in the march.

In preparation for the march for sports, Parents for Physical Fitness scheduled a meeting for Thursday evening, August 17, 1972, at 8 p.m. in the Andrew Warde High School auditorium. All interested people, including teens, townspeople, alumni, parents, children, and organizations were urged to attend the meeting, at which time details of the march would be outlined.

Did you participate in the 'Save our Sports' march in 1972? What do you remember about the efforts of Parents for Physical Fitness? I'd like to know. I welcome your comments and memories.

Paul

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Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".