LACROSSE SHOOTOUT REMEMBERS LOCAL DAD

Proceeds Support College Fund For Daughter

Following a successful first event, the Speed Lacrosse Shootout is back for a second year in memory of Ryan Vasquez.

AMemorial Day barbecue at the Caribbean Club in Key Largo will benefit Team River Runner. Organized by the American Legion Post 333 lady’s auxiliary, the barbecue will begin at 3 p.m.

Veterans with visual impairments and their guides will visit Key Largo as part of Team River Runner’s OuttaSight program, which has been in existence for a decade. It focuses on training veterans with visual impairments and veterans and volunteers to be guides.

Participants bond with their guides, learning coastal kayaking skills. In addition to training on and off the water, veterans visit Island Dolphin Care for a swim with dolphins.

A small group of kayakers started Team River Runner in 2004 with the goal of helping veterans at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Since its inception, the group offers paddling opportunities to veterans and family members in more than 60 locations across the U.S.

— Keys Weekly staff report

The full day of lacrosse, which is open to people of all ages, is set for Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Founders Park baseball field. For $50, players will receive a penny, shirt, food and a full day of speed lacrosse.

Friends of Vasquez described him as joyful, optimistic and full of life. More than anything, he was a role model within the community. A brother, son, friend and father, the community is invited to celebrate Vasquez’s tenacious spirit and memories he left with many family and friends.

Jonathan Lindback, one of the event organizers, said they aim to accomplish several goals for the Upper Keys community — first and foremost bringing people together and share memories of Vasquez, who passed away on March 27, 2020 at the age of 25.

“We also hope to shine light on mental health awareness and the importance of openly communicating our thoughts and feelings during trying times,” he said.

Proceeds from the Speed Lacrosse Shootout will go to a college fund for Kali, Vasquez’s young daughter. Visit https://upperkeyslax.com/skeezyshootout to sign up.