Track and field season is officially underway, with students from across the region taking part in events at both North Hastings High School and York River Public School this week.
The intermediate track and field day at North Hastings High School was held Monday, June 2, with Grade 7 and 8 students competing in various events.
On Tuesday, York River Public School hosted the SG track and field meet, bringing together elementary schools from the area to compete in long jump, shot put, and sprint races ranging from 100 to 400 metres.
Head convener Kim Isaacs said the event is a true community effort, organized with help from teachers, principals, and retired educators.
“Retired teachers step up for this,” Isaacs, who is a retired educator herself, told Moose FM.“I’ve been doing this for a number of years. It’s a way for us to give back, stay involved. I think there are seven of us here today, all at different stages of retirement. And then we also have a whole bunch of high school kids who’ve volunteered for the day. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Kim Isaacs demonstrates long jump parameters. Photo Mary Milne
Volunteers Lynne Vanderwood and Debbie Speck head up the announcements at the stats/ribbon table 
Madame Boyd from Maynooth records 200 m dash
Isaacs added that the weather cooperated, with a breeze making conditions ideal for the young athletes.
She praised both the sportsmanship and dedication shown by students throughout the day.
One of those students was Brant Robinson from York River Public School, who placed first in the 400-metre race with a time of 1 minute, 31 seconds.
When asked how it felt to race, Robinson replied with a laugh, “Painful.”
Top finishers from the event — those placing in the top two — will advance to the regional meet in Belleville next week.
