With the 2024 NWT Track and Field Championships getting underway Wednesday afternoon, it means that hundreds of athletes will be running, jumping and throwing to try and win their events.
For some young athletes in Hay River, they got a chance to prepare for the big event over the past few weeks.
The town's recreation department hosted a track and field prep clinic for those between the ages of nine to 12 and it was quite popular, said Courtney Fraser, the town's recreation programmer.
She said 21 youth in total “faithfully” attended the sessions.
“This program was run by Jordan Froese, our fitness instructor and Town of Hay River employee,” she said. “This program was her idea and this is the second year she’s run it.”
This is the second year the program has been running, Fraser added.
“(It) was introduced last year as an additional training opportunity for the NWT Track and Field Championships that was unfortunately cancelled due to the first wildfire evacuation,” she said. “It was a popular program last year and we knew we wanted to run it again this year to support our young athletes, many of whom will be competing for the first time this year.”
Those who did head out to practice were coached in several disciplines including all running distances between 100 metres and 1,500 metres, 4 x 100-metre relay, long jump, triple jump, discus, ball throw and shot put.
“We were fortunate to have Kelly Webster, a local community volunteer, come out to coach the kids in discus,” said Fraser.
The schools were also helpful in making sure everything was a success as Fraser said JJ Hirst, a member of the organizing committee, ensured all of the necessary equipment was available for the participants to use during practices.
“This program will be continued annually as we enjoy supporting youth in their track and field goals,” she said.