The third annual CHS Power Lifting Meet in memory of Kelly Ray Firby is a time to cherish the memory of a young man who touched many people’s lives.
Firby, a Clarkston High School student who died in a traffic crash on Nov. 28, 2003, is honored at the meet set for March 4 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the weight room of CHS.
‘We would hope people remember the happy memories instead of remembering the sadness of his loss,? said Kristen Bradish, mother of Kelly’s son Jacob, who is almost two-years-old now.
The event was originally conceived to cherish Firby’s memory, now, nearly three years from his death, the meet also serves to pass on his legacy.
‘Kelly was one of those kids who would bust his butt in the weight room. I looked up to him as a young kid,? said junior Steve McIsaac, who holds two state weight lifting records and lifted with Firby. ‘It brings back good memories of him.?
The event is also a fundraiser for the team.
‘Out of anything Kelly had ever done, he loved lifting weights and competing,? said Bradish, ‘Knowing how much he loved (Powerlifting), it’s important to me to see that it stays alive.?
Usually a solitary sport, the meet will feature three-man teams of CHS students. The squads will compete for the best cumulative score in the dead lift, squat and bench press.
Donations in memory of Firby can be sent to the Clarkston High School Athletic Department care of power lifting Coach Chad Looper. The address is 6093 Flemings Lake Road, Clarkston MI, 48346.
For more information, call event organizer Michelle Firby at 248-343-4558 or contact her via email at mfirby@hotmail.com.