More than 500 elementary students from across Lambton and Kent counties came together this week for the first board-wide track and field meet hosted by the Lambton Kent District School Board.
The event, held Tuesday at Great Lakes Secondary School in Sarnia, featured 531 student athletes in Grades 4 through 8 representing nearly 50 public schools from communities stretching from Wheatley to Grand Bend.
Students competed in eight events, including sprint and distance races, long jump, triple jump and the 4×100-metre relay.
Heather Perron, co-convenor of the meet, said the event provided students with opportunities to challenge themselves against a broader field of competitors.
“Track and field continues to grow in popularity across our communities, and the timing couldn’t be better to bring our student athletes together in this way,” Perron said. “Creating opportunities for students from both Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent to compete against one another raises the level of competition while also creating new connections and experiences. It’s incredibly exciting to see what this can become for our students.”
The board said the event was supported by staff, volunteers and Great Lakes Secondary School students who assisted throughout the day.
Ben Hazzard, superintendent of education, said the meet reflected the board’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students.
“Today’s meet brought together young athletes from every corner of the LKDSB and showcased the very best of what school athletics can offer,” Hazzard said. “This event reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for students, strengthening connections across our district, and creating experiences they will remember for years to come.”
