IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: A version of article was originally published by ThoroldToday on July 19.
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 organized a barbecue with raffle prizes at Firemen’s Park in Niagara Falls.
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.
“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.”
