By Cary Shuman
From the group’s departure from Logan Airport to City Manager Fidel Maltez’s delivery of an unforgettable All-America City Award acceptance speech in Denver, to the return trip home to Boston, Omar Limas said it was the time of his life.
Limas, who was representing the Jordan Boys and Girls Club in the Chelsea delegation, said the four days at the National Civic League’s AAC Awards Program roughly 2,000 miles from Chelsea was “a life-changing experience.”
Limas, 31, has worked at JBGC for nine years. He is the Smith Family Teen Program Manager.
Limas elaborated on the emotions he experienced as Chelsea strived for and ultimately took home one of the nation’s highest awards for cities.
“It feels incredible, honestly,” said Limas during the AAC post-event awards reception at a venue 38 stories up and overlooking downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains in the distance. “I feel very humbled and very appreciative to be part of this opportunity. I’m very excited just to have been inspired to hear what all the great communities are doing, and I can’t wait to get back to Chelsea to continue to serve.”
Limas added that he was“honored” to represent the Chelsea Boys and Girls Club, its executive director Gina Centrella, the staff, and the club’s members at such a significant national event.
“It’s a complete honor due to the fact that I had the opportunity to represent the Boys and Girls Club of Chelsea, and I was able to help continue to put Chelsea on the map and the club on the map,” related Limas. “It was awesome.”
Limas grew up in Malden, “but being here for the last nine years, I really feel a part of the community and I love representing the city.”
Limas saved his highest praise for Fidel Maltez, the architect of Chelsea’s quest for national recognition and the man who inspired a commitment to public service by young members of the delegation.
“Our manager is incredible – a big shout-out to Fidel Maltez. The reason why I’m here and I was given this opportunity is because of Mr. Maltez,” said Limas. “I’m excited that he got Chelsea this award and it was an experience that I will cherish the rest of my life. It was extremely life changing for the youth that were here and everybody who was a part of it. It really is a village that helps keep Chelsea together. I’m grateful to be here celebrating with all these community leaders from Chelsea.”
Limas offered that what he will bring back to “Chelsea and the Jordan Boys and Girls Club, specifically, is the energy, vibrancy, and teamwork he saw at the AAC Program and the information about all the projects that other cities are doing in this nation.”