A Unique Program for our Youth
A Unique Program for our Youth
The Track and Field program of Ontario Command is unique in that it is the only program of its kind in the Province that offers a Summer Track & Field Championship to girls and boys 17 years of age and under. Athletes compete at two other levels (Zone and District) and those that qualify at these levels can proceed to the Provincial level. Those who qualify at the Provincial level can advance to the National level and be part of TEAM “O”.
(See An Athlete's Story)
We have maintained this program for many years, with the participation of more than 400 athletes at the Summer Track & Field Championship. The numbers at Zone and District levels vary, with between 250 to 400 athletes at these levels. Many athletes have and will participate in the program for up to five years. We are very proud that many have gone on to become very prominent in the sports field.
Many athletes that have competed in the Legion program have gone on to represent Team Canada at PanAm, Commonwealth and Olympic games.
The meets would not be feasible without the 100-plus volunteers it takes to run them and Ontario Command sponsors hundreds of young athletes across the Province at an average annual cost of $150,000.00. The athletes do not pay to participate at Provincial or National meets, and all costs are paid by the Legion, including transportation, accommodation, and meals. In some cases, Branches also donate to include some spending money.
We are very proud of our program. While it primarily assists young athletes to be the best they can be, it also allows them to develop confidence, maturity, and new friends as they participate through the age categories.
(See Letter from Parents)