By Cara Cross
Pierce County Parks & Recreation is inviting boys and girls ages 9 to 14 to compete for FREE in the Hershey Track and Field Meet on Wednesday, June 8, beginning at 5:30pm. The meet is held at Sparks Stadium, 621 5th St in Puyallup. Running events include 50 meters to 1600 meters and 4×100 relays (depending on age group) and field events include softball throw and standing long jump. Winners in this meet will advance to the State Meet on Saturday, June 18 in Federal Way, and possibly earn a spot on the Pacific Northwest Regional team. The Regional team will travel to Hershey, Pennsylvania to compete in the North American Final, held Saturday, August 6, 2011, with all expenses paid by the Hershey’s Track & Field program.
For over 30 years Hershey’s Track and Field Games has involved millions of youngsters from all 50 states and the 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada. It is solely sponsored by the Hershey Company and partnered with the National Recreation and Park Association, Athletics Canada, and National Association for Sports and Physical Education. This program is designed to encourage physical fitness among youth and emphasize participation and sportsmanship. The philosophy is ‘all you need is a pair of athletic shoes’ as the events support that with no special equipment or skill needed to participate. For details on this program visit www.hersheystrackandfield.com , or contact the state Hershey Coordinator, Jeannette at 360-438-2631 or Jen with Pierce County Parks and Recreation, 253-798-4753.