P.E.I. government welcomes track athletes to Charlottetown The Guardian

Ian McLellan of Team Saskatchewan clears a hurdle in the final of the mens 100 meter hurdles at the Canadian Junior Track and Field Champsionships at UPEI Saturday. (Guardian photo by Brian McInnis)

The Island's minister responsible for sports welcome the top 19 and under track and field athletes who will be in Charlottetown this weekend for the Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships being held at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place.
 “Best wishes to all of the athletes and coaches for a most successful and enjoyable event,” said Minister Carolyn Bertram. “We hope you will join us again this August for the 2009 Canada Summer Games.”
This year’s Canadian Juniors are open to the public free of charge. The public is encouraged to learn about athletics as well as see the new UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place which will also serve as the main stadium for the 2009 Canada Games.
“The Province of Prince Edward Island was proud to contribute over $4 million for this legacy facility, the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place,” said Bertram. “This new facility will contribute to the success of the Games, as well as enhance our ability to attract and host other sport initiatives, such as this weekend’s Canadian Junior Championship. The facility at UPEI is the first of its kind for Island track and field athletes; it is just one example of how the province is supporting the development of our athletes.”
The event will include close to 450 athletes representing athletics clubs from every province.
The Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships are Canada’s premier event for the junior athletes and serve as a stepping stone in their development towards international level competitions. It will also serve to select athletes to represent Canada at the Pan Am Junior Championships held later this summer in Trinidad and Tobago.

Click here for a schedule of track events