Kids don’t need to know anything about track and field to enjoy the Running Wild Athletics Club’s Future Greats Track and Field Program.
That’s because the skills they’ll learn in the program — the basics of running, jumping and throwing — are transferable to any sport. It’s also a great opportunity for them to meet new people and make friends.
“The most important thing about programs like this is about getting the kids engaged, getting them excited about being active and learning,” says coach Astrid Nyame. “We’re super excited to be able to offer a program like this for younger kids because we’ve had to miss so much because of COVID.”
The program, which starts Feb. 2, is designed for kids in two age groups: six to eight and nine to 11. It will run out of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex every Wednesday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. until April 27.
Kids who are signed up will have access to a pair of great local coaches.
Nyame, originally from Maidstone, is a former University of Saskatchewan multi-event athlete with multiple Canada West and U SPORTS medals to her name. She recently returned to Saskatoon following three years of training at the Altis High Performance Training Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
“I’ve been fortunate to have some awesome experiences with track; I’ve got to travel and I’ve got to work with some really awesome coaches and gain different perspectives,” Nyame says. “So I’m really excited to be able to share that with the younger generation, the up and coming athletes.”
Nyame is coaching alongside Brendan Ritchie of Eatonia. Ritchie is a current member of the U of S track and field team specializing in the heptathlon.
For more information and to register, go online.
The basics
Who? Kids aged six to 11; youth will be split into two groups by age (six to eight and nine to 11).
What? Participants will learn functional movement and body awareness and try their hands at a number of track and field events such as long jump, shot put and hurdles.
Where? Gordie Howe Sports Complex
When? Wednesday evenings from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. from Feb. 2 to April 27; late registrants are welcome until spots fill up.
Why? Because it’s fun. “It’s a great way for kids to not only come out and learn the basics of track and field and basic movements, but also to have an opportunity to socialize with other kids in a safe and controlled environment,” Nyame says.
How do I sign up? Sign up online at www.runningwildac.ca. Cost is $170 or you can inquire about volunteer opportunities to cover registration fees.
