BC Athletics Junior Development Annual Report 2004
The BC Athletics Junior Development committee would like to add our condolences to the Valley Royals track and field club on the loss early in 2004 of Mrs. Jane Swan. Jane was an amazing contributor to Athletics in BC and will be sorely missed. As well, the recent passing of Mr. Percy Perry from the Coquitlam Cheetahs organization will definitely be felt by our Junior Development athletes. Mr. Perry spent countless hours working with and developing young people to reach their potential in our sport.
This past year saw some outstanding achievements by our young athletes, their coaches and clubs. The JD committee would like to thank all who contributed to this successful year in Athletics. Some specific appreciation goes to:
The Kamloops Track and Field club for another impressive JD track and field championship meet. With well over 400 athletes representing 25+ clubs, the Kamloops parents and volunteers put on an excellent event. Special thanks should go to the Meet Directors for their tireless work in registrations and the BC Athletics officials who all throughout the year support our many meets and races. Part of the meet was a selection process for 15-year-old athletes to go forward to the National Legion camp. The selection process was assisted by the Juvenile, Junior, Senior committee. The athletes selected achieved many outstanding results at the national competition and continues to show our provinces ability to produce some very elite competitors.
Nanaimo did a very good job of hosting the JD Pentathlon Championships on a beautiful sunny July day. Over 100 pentathletes competed with a few Top Ten results recorded. Our special thanks to the many volunteers who made this a very special day for our athletes.
Our year was punctuated by many amazing results by our JD athletes, with the BC Summer Games being held in Abbotsford, the outstanding meets organized throughout the province and many school and club competitions. Our sincere hope is for athletes to continue in the sport and realize their potential in the years to come. Junior Development is a time of growth for our young people and they need to keep perspective on their future endeavors in the sport.
The JD Committee had its largest ever banquet in late October and the event was excellently organized by Don Dunfee and his team of volunteers from the committee. Don worked very hard to provide a professional awards night that will make a lasting impression on the athletes.
The Junior Development Committee has found itself sometimes lacking in interested individuals to represent their club and geographical area on the committee. Those wishing to be a part of the committee can actively participate in the new year by contacting the BC Athletics office. Respectfully submitted
Brad Wallbank
Chair, Junior Development Committee
B.C. Athletics