Pictou County Athletics hosting track meet for elementary students
The Pictou County Athletics Track & Field Club will be hosting an elementary track meet in lieu of the meet usually organized by local schools.
Pictou County Athletics coach Pat Carty said they decided to step in after hearing that the annual event wasn’t planned as normal.
“We’re hoping this is a onetime thing where we have to pitch in and help,” he said.
He believes it is important for elementary-aged students to get the taste of track and field and what the competition is like.
Sport Nova Scotia has made a real push lately to have kids involved in a variety of sports rather than being pigeonholed into one for their entire life, he said. By exposing youth to track and field, he believes they might find another sport they enjoy competing in.
“We’re inviting all the elementary schools in Pictou County,” he said.
Handouts were sent to all the students in grades 4, 5 and 6 in Pictou County.
Ryan Washburn is helping to organize the event. He said they will have long jump, softball throw, races of varying lengths as well as a modified hurdles to allow kids to get a feel for that event as well.
Youth who want to take part can register at Trackie.com later this week. The cost to participate is $5.
The event will be taking place June 28 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The day was chosen because it’s grading day so students won’t be in class. Also by hosting in the evening, organizers hope to avoid the extreme heat and allow for more parents to come out and watch.
Pictou County Athletics will also be hosting the Atlantic Championships on July 22-23. One of the categories is for run, jump, throw and is geared towards elementary-aged students.
For more information about either event email athelticspc@gmail.com or phone 902-7553501.