Annie Coombs, 11, of Albany, clears the hurdles at Bethel Recreation’s track program in 2023. Rose Lincoln
BETHEL — This year kids in Bethel Recreation’s summer track program at Telstar will be able to compete in USA Track and Field Maine Youth meets.
Bethel Recreation Director, Nate Crooker said he would love to see more kids come out and try summer track in this third year of the program. He said, “We are trying to determine what the barriers to participation are and hope that by including some meet competitions we can get more kids and families excited about the program.”
The athletes meet at Telstar High School’s track on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
They started June 18 and the program will end August 1, for kids ages 6 through 14. So far Bethel Rec. has 20 kids signed up. Drop-in sign-ups are welcomed, too.
Coach Colleen Raymond said they will introduce sprints and long distance running; the long jump; discus; shot put; and hurdles. They will familiarize the athletes with the mechanics of running, jumping, throwing, dynamic stretching, lines on the track and rules of a meet.
Raymond said, “I am looking forward to introducing running to young athletes, sharing with them the joy of putting one foot in front of the other to see how fast or how far they can go. It is a life-long sport for the perpetual athlete.”
Raymond is a volunteer coach along with Nate Crooker, Katy Crooker and Mary Scanlon.
Sign-up is through the Bethel Recreation’s website https://bethelmaine.org/pages/recreation.
Youth Developmental Summer Series, USA Track & Field Maine usatf.org
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