Paul MacDonald Triathlete Awarf celebrates friendship, fun and fitness as well the memory of a friend
The Paul MacDonald Triathlete Award has been given for the 17th time in Pictou County.
Jodi Matlock was presented with the award by its creator, Chris DeYoung.
“Paul’s Award” is given to a Pictou County triathlete who participates for friendship, fun and fitness, which embodies the late Paul MacDonald.
DeYoung says one of the reasons he chose Matlock is that she is a leader and member of the Pictou County Y Tri-Club and, throughout the pandemic, has encouraged people and helped get them out there.
“It is actually quite an honour to be recognized when you see the other names on that plaque. It’s a neat thing and Chris has done a really good job keeping Paul’s memory alive on the fun side of triathlons,” says Matlock.
The award has taken on a life of its own, DeYoung says.
“I just started; I bought a plaque and didn’t know if I would ever have a chance to fill 24 names but we are up to 17 now,” he says.
Paul MacDonald was a lifelong friend of his. MacDonald enticed DeYoung into running road races and triathlons, he trained with him and they played basketball together in high school.
For DeYoung’s first race, MacDonald ran with him the whole way, even though MacDonald could have won it.
The award is a way to honour his mentorship and memory. MacDonald died of a brain stroke 17 years ago. DeYoung says he was a great athlete. He was the top local triathlete one year in the early days of the Highland Challenge Triathlon at Melmerby Beach.
Usually, the award is given out at the Melmerby Triathlon
but, due to COVID, the race has been postponed until next year.
The Pictou County Y Tri-Club is based out of the YMCA of Pictou County. Matlock says she tips her hat to the YMCA as they have taken on the operations of the Johnny Miles Series of events, which includes the Melmerby Triathlon.
The club is welcoming to people of all levels. They help swimmers, runners and bikers all become better, then put it all together.
They do a lot of group activities to keep it fun and keep people motivated.
“To have that variety and activity, and to have the friendship of the group training is amazing,” says Matlock.
She says the group focuses on having fun and staying active.