May 09 2009
Track and Field The Sport for All

Young St Lucian’s you have a right to know that there is a sport in which any one can achieve success. The secret is out now, that sport is track and field.

There are more than thirty events in track and field which involve walking, running, jumping and throwing. Each requires different combinations of sports fitness (endurance, strength, speed, flexibility) and motor skills to be successful. Yet this great variety of events requiring these different combinations of natural and acquired abilities which gives practically every individual, no matter the body size, shape or form, the opportunity to participate successfully. Often young boys and girls do not realize they have the natural ability to become successful in track and field until they give it a try. Many track and field stars “discovered themselves” in physical education class. In fact, participants can easily assess their natural abilities of strength, speed, endurance, and power by performing specific task. These talent tests could include a 30- meter times sprint, standing long jump for distance, vertical jump for height, five alternate leg bounds for distance, 5-kg shot tossed overhead for distance, or an 800-meter timed run.

Now that we are armed with this information, we should all go and try out for track and field.

Dane Magloire

PRO St Lucia Track and Field Association