Sport tour

LAKE FOREST — Tickets for 2014 Chicago Bears Meijer Family Fest presented by Chase went on sale June 10. The event will be held at Soldier Field Aug. 2, giving fans a first-look at the 2014 Bears in action at their home stadium. Fans can enjoy a live Bears practice followed, by a fireworks show. Tickets cost $8-$12 and are available by phone, Internet and all Ticketmaster outlets. Fans may charge by phone at 800-745-3000, or on-line at ticketmaster.com. Group tickets (20+) can also be purchased by contacting the Bears Ticket Office at 847-615-BEAR (2327). All seating for Meijer Family Fest will be reserved. Activities outside the stadium starts at 3 p.m., including a live band, radio station remote broadcasts, kids’ activities, corporate partner displays, and giveaways. Gates to Soldier Field will open at 5 p.m. with player introductions at 6:30 p.m. and practice beginning at approximately 6:45 pm. The evening concludes with a fireworks show. Throughout the event, Bears fans will have a chance to purchase new Bears gear at the Bears Pro Shop and fans may receive a scratch-off card for the opportunity to win a Bears practice jersey, discounts on Bears merchandise, other cool Bears prizes, or a chance to head down to the field after practice, meet a player and receive an autograph.AURORA — The 53rd Annual Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race, was held Sunday, June 1 on the Fox River from two starting points, St. Charles — 10 miles and Batavia — 6 miles. Racers ended their journey at McCullough Park in Aurora. The timeless tradition, a signature summer event organized by the Aurora-based Fox Valley Park District, spans many generations. The St. Charles start began at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Park with heats of 10 launching every four minutes. There were three portages, Geneva, Batavia and North Aurora with race time approximately 1½ to 3 hours. Batavia paddlers departed from the VFW on Route 25. Heats of 10 launched every four minutes with one portage at North Aurora. approximate race time was 50 minutes to 1½ hours. The historic, amateur race for paddlers of all ages and abilities, featured 11 canoe divisions, eight kayak divisions and one open (non-competitive) division. From the ultra-competitive river runners to young families and newbies just wanting to enjoy a memorable paddling experience — it’s was all there! Conveniences and activities for the participants included: • Canoe and Kayak rental discount packages – just show up and your boat was waiting – and got picked up afterward. • Free shuttle service between the start and finish lines. Four shuttle buses ran from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. After the race the car was waiting for you at the starting point. • T-shirt, goodie bag and lunch included with registration. • Party in the Park at McCullough Park – featuring music, prize drawings, live interviews and awards ceremony. Awards were presented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in all divisions, both races. An event such as this doesn’t happen by accident. Hats off to the following 2014