REGINA — Roughly 175 Saskatchewan athletes gathered in Regina for the 58th annual Provincial Track and Field Camp.
The five-day camp is hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command.
Carol Pedersen, president of the legion's Saskatchewan command, said this camp was started by young veterans returning from World War II who gave up their youth and wanted to give something back.
“There's a great deal of honour and respect in being able to see that carried on.”
Pedersen said this camp allows for athletes, especially those in rural communities, to receive coaching.
Mike Trauner, a retired Master Cpl., will be aiding athletes with mentorship during the camp.
He stressed how mentorship is critical for youth since many kids don’t have parents invested in sports.
“Mentorship is going to play into their entire lives,” said Trauner. “Life is hard, and if they can carry any of the skills into their adulthood, that's really going to be beneficial for them.”
Of the 174 athletes participating in the camp, 36 will be selected for the Legion National Track and Field Championships happening in Calgary in August.
Camp director David Burke said athletes will be selected mostly based on attitude.
Those selected will join 800 to 900 other athletes in the national tournament.
Saskatchewan will also host the next two Legion National Track and Field Championships in 2026 and 2027 in Regina.
