ZONEs 7,8 REPORT
This report has been prepared for the 2005 BC Athletics Annual General Meeting, January 21, 22, 2005.
Zones 7 and 8 represent the northern half of the province and have 11 organizations (6 road running and 5 track and field) spread across the region. There are 416 members of BC Athletics within the two zones. When one considers the size of the area and the scattered population, the total number of registered members is quite substantial. Membership continues to be strong in Prince George and Dawson Creek.
There were five sanctioned track and field events held in the two zones; this figure does not include school events or Hershey’s Youth Program Events sponsored by member clubs. Although track and field leads the way in membership numbers, road running and cross country are where the greatest participation occurs in the region. A total of 33 sanctioned road running and cross country events, and two series took place within the two zones. There seems to be a general increase in the number of events seeking BCA sanctioning over the past few years, which is a positive step; however the number of non-sanctioned events (19) is still substantial. Unfortunately, the inaugural Interior Championships Track and Field Meet, which was to be held at the end of August, was not held.
Highlights for the year include the 31st annual running of the Labour Day Classic road race in Prince George, with over 200 competitors; a successful sweep of the medals in the girls pole vault at the BC Summer games by the Zone 7 vaulters; and the success of the South Peace Penguins from Dawson Creek capturing the boys title at the 2004 BC High School Cross Country Championships.
Issues in the zones continue to revolve around access to alternate sources of funding and transportation costs. It is the belief of the zone director that greater support of events needs to occur between the member track and field clubs within the zones to help offset some of these costs and provide a higher level of competition across the two zones.
On a personal note, this past year saw the passing of two giants in the athletics world. I am pleased to say that I was able to know them both and I shall continue to hold Jane and Percy in the highest regard. Fond memories of both shall be carried with many of us at the track. Good speed.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Masich