Although there was a threat of rain; ribbons and fun were parts of the guaranteed forecast.
St. Augustine Grade 6 students joined those from around STAR Catholic School Division, which includes schools in Leduc, Drayton Valley, Beaumont, Wetaskiwin, and Lacombe, in Leduc to compete in the inaugural Track STAR Challenge Friday, June 12.
The track and field meet saw traditional track events ranging from the 100-metre race to long jump.
“It is one more way to bring our schools together in spirited competition and, through sport, build on the strong faith community we have as a school Division,” said assistant superintendent Kevin Booth.
Each school wore a different coloured custom shirt, which sported the Track STAR Challenge logo. Although the shirts may have been made to represent each school, the student-athletes found themselves mingling in between events and developing new friendships.
“It’s really what the event was about. It may have been competitive on the race track or when a student was throwing a javelin, but our students really enjoyed meeting other kids. We kept hearing how much they loved the event and how much fun it was,” said Karen Ballhorn, coordinator and Sacred Heart School vice-principal.
Students were right into the mix during the event, be it giving it their all in a race or cheering on a fellow student who was competing.
Also lending a hand for the day were Grade 9 track and field option students from Sacred Hearts School.
“It was great to see them come out to help. It allowed them to take an active role in helping younger students and they really showed leadership and a great example for our Grade 6 athletes and for our Division,” said Ballhorn, who added there were also a number of parents who volunteered to help out and the whole event created a real community atmosphere.
The Track STAR Challenge is being considered a success with organizers, staff, volunteers and the Division looking forward to next year.
“We hope it will be an annual event that continues to improve on itself and allows our students to come together, meet, compete and have a great time,” said Booth.