Aspiring athletes at Barrhead Elementary School took to the field to continue a track and field tradition started more than 25 years ago.
The, field situated behind BES, was buzzing with athletes from Grade 1 to Grade 6, participating in events such as, tug of war, three-legged races, potato-sack races, piggy-back races, 6x100 relay and hurdles, to name a few.
“We’ve been doing this for more than 25 years now, and every year the kids love it. They can’t wait for it,” said Physical Education Specialist Laurin Lamothe.
The students at BES train during gym class to prepare for the non-competitive track meet.
“The kids train in gym class. It’s helped them become familiar with a lot of the events and it gives them an opportunity to practise and establish a personal best. Then they work to beat it. It’s all meant to be fun,” said Lamothe.
Sounds of laughter and chatter amongst the athletes filled the air.
“I’ve been waiting the whole year for this. It’s such a fun competition,” said an out-of-breath Kyle Crozier following his run in the potato-sack race.
Two Grade 1 classes had an epic tug-of-war battle that saw their respective teachers shouting out encouragements.
They were getting right into the thick of things, as the red flag, which marks the center of the rope, barely moved due to the equal strength of both classes.
Eventually, one class out-pulled the other and won the war. But the smiles on the children’s faces told a different story, not of loss, but of utter contentment and joy. Then they would jump back up and rush to get started again.
“It’s been such a great day. The kids get really into it,” said teacher helper Tamara Hubscher.
The primary goal of the BES track meet is to keep fitness in the lives on the minds’ of the students, following a bitter winter and many days inside classrooms.
“They’re just so excited to be out here. They are really tired of sitting in class all this time and just want summer break to finally be here. They’re ready for summer fun,” said Grade 1 teacher Christina Hoyda.
