Montevallo celebrates community and healthy living at 6th annual Chief’s Challenge – Shelby County Reporter

By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Laughter, cheers and the sound of friendly competition filled the Montevallo football field on Tuesday, Oct. 28, as first responders, educators and students came together for the sixth annual Chief’s Challenge—a community event that promotes physical fitness, teamwork and a drug-free lifestyle.

Hosted by Impact Montevallo, the Chief’s Challenge has become a cornerstone of Red Ribbon Week, blending high-energy competition with a message of health and prevention. This year’s event featured a six-person relay with challenges including sit-ups, push-ups, a Water Brigade, Equipment Carry and a 1.5-mile color run.

At the end of a spirited evening, the Montevallo High School Peer Helpers claimed first place and a $500 prize, followed by the Montevallo Police Department in second with $300 and the Montevallo Fire Department in third with $200. In a display of community spirit, both the police and fire departments donated their winnings to Montevallo High School athletic teams—the soccer and cross country programs, respectively.

For Impact Montevallo Program Director Sarah Hogan Shaw, the night represented everything the Chief’s Challenge stands for: unity, encouragement and shared purpose.

“The event brings a sense of togetherness and excitement for the community to cheer on our youth and first responders,” Shaw said. “To hear the participants cheering each other on and the crowd yelling words of encouragement is truly what the event is all about—bringing different groups together to build camaraderie while celebrating living a drug-free lifestyle.”

Shaw said one of the most memorable moments came when The Cheese Wagon, a team of local school bus drivers, finished the final color run far behind the pack—but to thunderous applause from the crowd.

“As the last team member of The Cheese Wagon was rounding the track, the crowd of participants and attendees cheered them on as they finished,” Shaw said. “They weren’t out there to win—they were there to support our youth and be part of the community.”

Each year, attendance and participation continue to grow, filling the stands with cheering supporters. Shaw said that energy and involvement show how the event’s message is resonating with both youth and adults.

“It’s an opportunity to show pride in living a drug-free lifestyle,” she said. “It’s also an opportunity to show the youth that the community notices when they choose positive behaviors and are there to cheer them on.”

Throughout the night, participants and spectators heard messages about the connection between physical activity, mental health and substance-free living—reinforcing the mission that inspired the event’s creation.

“The Chief’s Challenge celebrates the physical benefits of keeping your body free from alcohol and drugs,” Shaw said. “The challenges require teamwork and stamina, and they help youth see the physical demands first responders face, which could even inspire future careers.”

Shaw emphasized that beyond the competition, the Chief’s Challenge is about building relationships that strengthen the community.

“No matter who wins on the scoreboard, our first responders are supporting our youth,” she said. “Seeing them donate their winnings to local teams shows how much they care. It strengthens the bond and trust between them.”

As Impact Montevallo looks ahead, Shaw hopes the event will continue to expand—welcoming more youth groups, educators and community members in the years to come.

“When we invest in our youth, we invest in the future of our city,” she said. “The Chief’s Challenge reflects what makes Montevallo special—we can come together, have fun, celebrate positive choices and support each other.”