After a weather postponement, Monument Health’s inaugural Betina Basso Memorial Track & Field Day was a success.
Previously known as the Betina K. Basso Fun Run/Walk and held in the fall, the one mile community run/walk was reimagined as a spring event for school-aged kids. The students participated in a variety of adaptive track and field activities designed to support all abilities and celebrate effort, participation and personal achievement.
Initially planned for Wednesday April 29 and rescheduled for May 6, the new version of the event was attended by around fifty K-12 students from Custer and Hermosa schools, who were bused to the track at Custer High School to participate. The events included an accuracy throw, 100-meter dash, special relay, long jump, 50-meter hurdles and a distance throw.
“Thank you to Custer and Hermosa school staff and students. Our original mission was to give back to students in Betina’s name,” says Kevin Sobolik, PT, CSCS at Custer Hospital. “I was not prepared for the joy and love I would receive in return. It was a memorable day. Next year will be even better!”
An event is held annually in celebration of the life of Betina Basso, a beloved physical therapist who worked at Custer Physical Therapy and within the Custer, Hermosa and Hill City school systems. She was a loving advocate for children. She passed away in 2019.
Although the celebration was originally conceived as a run/walk, thoughtful contemplation was given to how the event would best honor Betina’s relationship to and treatment of her pediatric patients. As a result, a track and field day gave the event a new life as a more meaningful way to directly reflect Betina’s work and impact.
Betina was loved by everyone who knew her. She had a passion for fun, a heart for helping kids move, and a deep belief that every child deserved the chance to participate, grow and succeed. This event reflects the joy, encouragement and energy she brought to her work every day.
“It was so uplifting to be there and see all of the kiddos running, jumping and just generally having a good time in the spirit of friendly competition,” says Sierra Gerlach, Monument Health Community Relations Event Coordinator. “What a great way to be both inclusive and to celebrate a departed Caregiver and admired member of our communities.”
Story by Kory Lanphear
Photos by Erika Cianca