Santa Ana Youth Games Track and Field meet planned May 14 at Century

JFK Transportation and the RAYA Foundation will host the Santa Ana Youth Games Track and Field meet on Saturday, May 14 at Century High School, according to Leon Raya, president of the RAYA Foundation.

Youth born between 2012 and 2007 who are Santa  Ana residents or attend a Santa Ana school are invited to participate. Pre-registration is required and a variety of running and field events will be offered. 

Kevin Watson, President of JFK Transportation and Raya, president of the RAYA Foundation have known each other for years.

When Watson was a youth he competed for a youth track and  field team originated by Raya when he worked for the Santa Ana Parks and Recreation Department. He  won many medals while representing the city in local and regional meets. Both have fond memories of  those days and share the vision to bring a youth track and field meet back to the youth of Santa Ana.  

“Kevin was an amazing sprinter back in the day,” said Raya. “His whole family participated. His father Floyd and his mother Phyllis were great supporters of the program. It’s heartwarming to see Kevin bring it full circle by financially sponsoring the  meet.” 

JFK Transportation was founded by Floyd Watson in 1993. Floyd Watson died in 2010 and Kevin soon took over and continued his father’s success, Raya said.

“I remember those days participating in track,” said Kevin, a graduate of Century High School. “It was  always so much fun. They made sure the kids had a great time and took good care of them. That’s the  experience I want for today’s Santa Ana youth. Contributing to our community is a commitment we  learned from our parents and one we are proud to continue.” 

Registration fee is $5 per child and registration information including a list of events can be found at rayafoundation.org.

The RAYA Foundation held the first Santa Ana Prep Basketball Showcase last month featuring high school basketball girls and boys who were seniors.