The 2018 Alberta Summer Games are less than 60 days away, and one local sport squad is one step closer to being ready. The Zone 8 Athletics team was picked at the Peace Country Classic Track Meet, held earlier this month in Grande Prairie.
Out of 159 athletes that competed, 44 made the cut. Meet director Bill Corcoran says taking part in the games will be a fantastic opportunity for the teens.
“We’ve had a number of athletes for who the Alberta Summer Games is their big first meet, and then they go on to compete provincially and at the national level and even be able to compete in college and university afterwards.”
Even for participants who don’t advance, Corcoran says the games are a way for them to meet others from the region. Zone 8 is the biggest in the province, stretching from Grande Prairie to High Level and Slave Lake.
Corcoran also enjoys having some athletes return to the Peace Country. Hayden Hollowell competed in the 2010 Alberta Summer Games in Medicine Hat, and will be the head coach of the athletics squad for the games here at home.
“That’s really gratifying from an organizer’s point of view when you’re able to involve these kids who’ve been in the games before,” Corcoran says.
The games are in desperate need of volunteers, and Corcoran encourages anyone interested to sign up for athletics. He says no experience is needed.
Track and field team practices will start after the school season. The Alberta Summer Games run July 19th to 22nd in the City and County of Grande Prairie.