4/13/05
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACT: TAMARA PETTIT
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
304-387-8335 (OFFICE) 304-479-8097 (CELL)
CHESTER, WV - Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort’s
newly established Racetrack Chaplaincy Program has named
Pastor Jim Smith as its chaplain. The program, part of a
national effort, is designed to address the spiritual, emotional,
physical and social/educational needs of the horse racing
workforce.
Smith, ordained through the Gospel Crusade of Bradenton,
Florida, has been associate pastor of two local churches
during the past ten years. He also owned and operated Amazing
Grace Christian Book Store in Calcutta for eight years.
He currently is an active member of River Christian Fellowship
Church in Empire, Ohio.
Smith’s ministry includes jockeys, trainers, hot
walkers, grooms, owners, valets, blacksmiths, exercise riders
and his duties vary. His typical day involves a walk through
the backside interacting with workers in a relaxed atmosphere.
Following a short devotional over the PA system, Smith sets
time aside to meet with anyone needing assistance in the
office provided to him by Mountaineer located in the Grooms
Quarters. On Thursdays, he conducts chapel services for
the employees which include Bible study and each race night,
he meets with the jockeys for a prayer.
“No one has ever asked me to pray that he/she would
win a race,” Smith notes, “but they have asked
for protection for both the horses and themselves.”
The Race Track Chaplaincy program extends beyond the spiritual
aspect. Smith conducts a substance abuse program as well
as organizing both high school diploma equivalency (GED)
and English as second language classes. Both classes are
being offered through Rockefeller Vocational Center.
Smith also lends a hand wherever needed, whether that
means visiting workers or family members in the hospital,
driving one of the workers on an errand or to an appointment
or organizing social events. His future plans include a
food and clothing bank for those who may be in need.
The RTCA began in 1969 at Gulfstream racetrack in Florida
when Rev. Al Dawson began having services during the racing
season. In 1971 RTCA organized with its first Board of Directors
and in 1972 became incorporated. The first full-time paid
racetrack Chaplain was placed at Calder Race Track with
Hialeah and Gulfstream quickly following. Today, the RTCA
has 45 chaplains serving more than 71 racetracks across
the United States.
The Mountaineer chaplaincy program is funded by Mountaineer
management, Mountaineer’s Horsemen’s Benevolence
Protection Association (HBPA) and the national RTCA.
According to Smith, both Mountaineer management and the
HBPA have been instrumental in the formation of the chaplaincy
program at Mountaineer, offering support in every way.
“Both parties have a sincere desire to see the people
of the racing industry at Mountaineer prosper in all ways,”
said Smith. “I am thankful to them for their support.”
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