A city-wide track and field event has brought more than 400 students from more than a dozen Orillia area elementary schools to Twin Lakes Secondary School today.
The event convener, Stan Man, who is also a teacher at Lions Oval Public School, says each school has a process for deciding which athletes get to participate in the marquee event.
"They usually have a track day at their own school," he explained. "They usually send the top two from each event to represent their school."
Students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 competed in the event on Monday. Today was competition day for students in Grades 7 and 8.
"This is huge for the students," Man said. "Coaches, parents, and students look forward to it all year long."
Man says the event brings out the best in each participant.
"You can feel the spirit of competition," he said. "We end with a relay which is a good way to display teamwork."
The competitions at the event include the 60-metre, 200-metre, and 400-metre races, running long jump, a standing long jump, and a ball throw.
"It gets everyone involved," Man said. "It fosters healthy competition and growth."
The day-long track and field event also promotes the importance of health and fitness.
"It shows how fun it can be to live a healthy and active lifestyle," Man said. "Hopefully, students will keep pursuing athletics into high school."
While some students will meet new friends from other schools today, Man says a lot of them know each other from extra-curricular activities outside of school.
"There is a lot of camaraderie here today," he said. "A lot of the kids enjoy seeing their friends from other schools."
Man says several retired teachers volunteer their time to ensure a successful event each year.
"Almost half of the volunteers here today are retired staff who donate their time," he said. "They see it as worthwhile to help promote healthy living among youth."
Devan Molloy, a Grade 8 Severn Shores Public School student, competed in the 200-metre race, long jump competition, and relay event on Wednesday.
"I've been training for this for about three weeks," he explained. "It feels good to finally be here today."
Molloy says he's been looking forward to competing in track and field since the beginning of the school year.
"I wanted to show how fast I can run," he said. "I enjoy competing against the other kids from other schools."
Molloy's favourite part of the event is spending time with his classmates.
"It's nice being able to spend time together outside of the classroom today," he said. "It's a lot of fun cheering each other on."
Brooke McGillivary, a Grade 8 student from Brechin Public School, competed in the running long jump and 100-metre race today.
"I love being able to compete in sports," she said. "It helps me get away from everything else; it's kind of an escape."
McGillivary has been training for the track and field meet for the last two months.
"It's rewarding to have all that work pay off today," she said. "I kind of face-planted on the long jump, but I'm having fun, so I don't really care."
While McGillivary always gives her best effort, she's not overly competitive.
"This is more just about being able to spend time with friends," she said. "It’s nice being able to share in this day with everybody."
