Stajyn Laird placed first in the 400-metre dash in a close race at Track and Field Day. (Nikita Ganovicheff/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Nikita Ganovicheff

Outdoor Fun

Junior High students get outside the classroom for Track and Field Day

Jun 11, 2019 | 5:16 PM

There was no rain in sight as Jonas Samson Junior High students spent the day outside in the sunny weather on June 11. The school held its annual Track and Field Day with the students participating in over 10 events at Lions Park.

Trent Marsh, Grade 9 teacher and organizer of the event, said getting kids away from the classroom and spending time outside helps them concentrate on their schoolwork in the following days.

“[In] June, kids tend to get a little bit restless when they have all the time in the classroom,” Marsh said. “So it’s nice to have a day where everyone can be outside and doing physical activities.”

Marsh also said the day helps students get away from computer screens and technology.

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“Everybody is always on their phones so it’s nice when they have a couple of minutes where they put down their technology and get going,” Marsh said.

Grade 8 students Ashar, Gabriel and Carl all agreed they enjoy the competition and exercise that comes with Track and Field Day.

“It’s good for your health to get outside and get fresh air and some sun,” Ashar said.

Gabriel placed third in his age group for the 400-metre dash while Carl took first.

Students competed within their age groups in over ten events at Track and Field Day on June 11. (Nikita Ganovicheff/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

Marsh pointed out the day can help students find a passion in a sport they may not have thought about joining.

“Especially Grade 7’s they’ll find out that they’re really good at something and then next year they’ll actually join the track team that goes and competes at divisions and districts,” Marsh said.

Grade 7 student Stajyn Laird is one of the kids who joined the junior high track team and competed at divisions in Lloydminster. Laird placed second in high jump and the 3,000-metre and third in long jump.

“I’m a competitive person,” Laird said. “I come to the track every week to practice my events and make sure I’m ready to go for track day.”

Laird placed first in his class in a close race for the 400-metre dash at the Track and Field Day.

“I like that everybody is out here having fun and doing their best,” Laird said. “We all have a good time.”

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nikita.ganovicheff@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @Nikitaganov