The Thorold Elite Track & Field Club is running towards success. Over 40 of its athletes — all between 14 and 17 years old — have qualified for the National Youth Track and Field Championships in Sherbrooke, QC.
“It’s the biggest group that we’ve ever had,” says head coach Steven Fife, in an interview with ThoroldToday. “The pressure is on. We’re hoping that we’ll have a handful of medallists this year.”
Fife is trying to get as many of the qualifying athletes as possible to the competition.
“We’re logistically trying to figure out how to do it,” he says. “It’s a big undertaking. Any support from anyone in the community we certainly are very open to, because it is going to be a lot to get over thirty kids out to Sherbrooke.”
To raise funds, the club is organizing a barbecue with raffle prizes at Firemen’s Park in Niagara Falls today.
The event not only helps get the athletes to the competition, but it also helps promote the Thorold Elite Track Club, which has seen its membership booming.
“The interest is definitely growing,” says Fife. “We’re starting to see more people that play hockey or soccer wanting to get faster and seeing the value in what they can do through track to help them be better in other sports as well.”
To keep up with demand, the club has significantly expanded its programming.
They're currently holding a six-week summer camp for kids at the Canada Games Park. And on Wednesday, July 26, they’re organizing a track meet that is open to the whole community. There will be five events on offer: 100m, 400m, 1000m, long jump or shot put.
“We want people to come out, see the facility, have some fun, and experience a little bit what track and field is all about,” Fife says.
One thing’s for certain: the club is busier than ever.
“There’s something happening every single day,” says Fife. “It’s non-stop right now.”
Fife wants to keep momentum going.
“We are putting the name of Thorold on the map,” he says. “We truly are becoming a place that is becoming known for track, as our athletes continue to shine out there.”
The club's fundraiser barbecue is happening today at Firemen's Park in Niagara Falls between 4:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. To register for the July 26 community track meet, head over to the club's Facebook page.
