Staff writer
The idea came from the Peabody-Burns track team wanting to give back to a community that supports them, coach Brian Lightner said. Therefore, as a service project to give back, he has set up a community track meet for 10 a.m. May 3 at USD 398 track.
“I also wanted to give our younger children an opportunity to experience the events of track and field while they are young and give the adults a competition with a relaxed, home-town feel and atmosphere,” he said.
Events including a 5K race, Frisbee throw, tennis ball throw, shot put, standing long jump, high jump, and several running events will be broken down by age except for a 4x400 meter family relay.
“This is the first year that we are hosting the meet,” Lightner said. “My hope is that the participation is high enough and the interest is there to make it an annual event.”
The Peabody Community Foundation provided money for the meet. Each event will have a $1 entry fee for adults only and be donated to the Youth Center in Peabody.
“I am hoping that the citizens of Peabody and Burns will take advantage of this opportunity to have fun, enjoy the outdoors, take part in a relaxed competition, or even relive their glory days of school,” Lightner said.
Prizes will be given to those who place first in each event in each age division. A division champion will be chosen based on standard track scoring.
Residents can enter in as many events as they wish. Registration forms are available by contacting Lightner at blightner@usd398.com or at http://lightnermath.weebly.com/community-track-meet-entry.html.
Practice times are available before the meet at 6 p.m. April 28 and 30.