The Bill Galvin Racing Alliance (BGRA) will be promoting Ontario harness racing across the province again in 2024. The BGRA will continue to showcase the Drive To Win virtual reality harness driving experience, continue the Youth Literary and Art Derby contests and also has plans for several other projects throughout the year.
“We are very thankful for all of the industry support we received last year in our first year of operation and we hope that continues as we work together on programs that promote and grow harness racing,” said Karen Hauver, a director of the BGRA.
The directors of the BGRA, Karen Hauver, Jane Belore, Brenda Lothmann, Ken Middleton and Kathy Wade Vlaar, were extremely fortunate to have a team of enthusiastic volunteers that assisted with many of the 2023 events. The BGRA is seeking additional volunteers to help out with this year’s expanded projects and programs. Interested volunteers are being asked to complete the BGRA's volunteer application form and submit it to the alliance as soon as possible.
There are plans in the works to revamp the youth contests, and the BGRA is seeking some input and participation from educators. If you are, or if you know someone who works in Ontario’s education system, and is willing to offer some feedback on specific programs, you can reach out to the BGRA through its website.
The BGRA directors were very happy with last year’s accomplishments, which included four youth contests and awards night, open houses at Tom Rankin’s breeding farm and Hanover and Clinton Raceways, and the Drive To Win virtual reality harness driving experience. With help from racing industry participants, the BGRA hopes to grow and expand its outreach in 2024.
(With files from Bill Galvin Racing Alliance)