Ideal weather conditions drew a large group of spectators to watch elementary school students compete in track and field events at Timberlane Park on May 31.
“It’s not always so perfect but it was a beauty on Friday,” said Kelly Creek Community School principal Scott Fisher, one of the organizers of the track meet. “It’s usually one of the more heavily attended events of the year so it’s great when we can combine it with nice weather and kids out there trying their best and doing their best.”
The track meet drew students from School District 47 schools, as well as students from Assumption School, Powell River Christian School and École Côte-du-Soleil.
Fisher said the day drew students from grade three and up to the athletic facility.
“We try to offer as much as possible to the kids so there were four different track events and four different field events,” said Fisher.
He added that the setting for the annual event features the most spectacular view on a track that he has ever seen.
“There’s not too many tracks with a view like that,” said Fisher. “It’s a fantastic facility.”
Students received ribbons for first to eighth place.
Powell River has a long history of track and field excellence, with two track and field athletes, Connie Polman Tuin and Gino Bortolussi, being among the first inductees into the Powell River Sports Hall of Fame this month.
Fisher said that one of the community’s current track stars, Calli-Ann Abbott, who is on a track scholarship at the University of Hawaii, was at the district track meeting helping out on Friday.
“She got her start at the exact same track meet so it was cool to see her come back and give back and help at the high jump pit,” said Fisher.
In terms of placement of the various schools in the competition, this is something that the organizers have not kept track of for years.
“We just want to encourage kids to come out and have fun,” said Fisher.
