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There were untold numbers of hit and runs reported by Bristol Police at the Quinta Gamelin Recreation Center this past Thursday — however, thankfully not the kind that you’ll find in the Phoenix crime log this week.

Rather, the hitting and running was purposeful, joyful, all in good fun and all for a good cause as part of a series of events that the Bristol Prevention Coalition looks to put on to generate positive reactions between Bristol’s youth and the Bristol Police Department.

“Kids need something healthy to burn off some energy,” said Barbara Palumbo, coordinator of the Bristol Prevention Coalition. “At the same time, we’re trying to create a partnership with children and the police, the fire department and rescue personnel, all town officials, really.”

The dodgeball event, which pitted kids 12 and up against various members of the Bristol Police against one another for a couple hours before blending the participants for a final, free-for-all event, is just one of such events that the Bristol Prevention Coalition hopes to put on as the weather gets warmer and Covid restrictions ease.

“We’re trying to grow it into something big,” Palumbo said, adding that she hopes to do nine such events throughout the year.

Despite not sending out any RSVPs and with minimal advertising in the form of paper posters throughout the town, more than 30 kids and cops showed up for the event. The game was mostly cost-free, as the recreation center hosted and as the officers volunteered their time while off duty and coalition members likewise volunteered their time. The only real cost was for refreshments, which were supplied through the coalition’s budget.

“It’s a big thing for [the police] to come out and help us,” Palumbo said. “They weren’t on their shift or on the clock, so they deserve a round of applause for that.”

Bristol Police Chief Kevin Lynch volunteered as referee for the event, and as of press time there were no reports of any arrests being necessary during the course of the event — in fact, much the opposite.

“To see so many kids coming in and their parents staying throughout the night, that was big. The parents were thanking us and the kids were thanking us and we really appreciated that,” Palumbo said, who added that Keri Sousa, youth coordinator for the coalition, was instrumental in organizing the event. “I think it was a great success. We’re looking forward to the next one.”

The Bristol Prevention Coalition specializes in substance abuse prevention among youth and adults, and holds a meeting the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Their next meeting will be held at the Rogers Free Library.