Please make the effort to vote April 6 for the track and field facility.
I believe this is a good addition to Vernon. How do I know you might ask? I grew up in Vernon and truly had no concept of what track and field could be or lead to, possibly because Vernon has never had a regulation track that athletes could train and compete on.
I thought the Polson track was the best. When I was fortunate to return to raise my children and work in health care here I became infinitely aware of how a simple regulation track could benefit so many members of our community.
As my daughters grew, one became very interested in track and field (thanks to her Grade 5 teacher). Although I had no concept of what this really was, I encouraged her to follow her dreams.
I went to her first track meet at the Lower Mainland, and little did I know, that hundreds of kids, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities participate in track meets. These meets are not only about who wins, but also on how each athlete does.
Instead of hearing, “Did you win?” you hear, “How did you do?” The answer is not, “I won,” but, “I beat my personal record,” or, “I jumped four meters.”
She became hooked on running and I became fascinated with the wide world of track and field.
Everyone can participate, no matter what their body type. They can “run, jump or throw,” which is Athletic Canada’s program name for young athletes.
A regulation track surface would allow these young, experienced or wheelchair athletes to practise and thus compete at the same level as other athletes in B.C. and Canada.
I was involved with Vernon Amateur Athletics Track and Field Club for six years.
During this time, I saw how the world of track and field can inspire young athletes, but unfortunately also how, without the proper training facilities, these athletes move on to different sports.
As a nurse, I see firsthand the effects of inactivity.
A track surface will provide a safe place to exercise, while minimizing the risk of falls for people of any mobility (walkers, wheelchairs, canes).
Many people walk in the Wesbild, but the cement surface is hard on joints and non-forgiving if a fall were to happen.
Being able to participate in outdoor activities with minimal risk is far more motivating than walking circles in a building (though we are lucky that this is available when the weather is bad).
I can hardly wait to drive into Vernon from the south and see this beautiful facility, well-planned, affordable and useable by all.
Suzanne Bailey
Vernon
