17³Ô¹Ï gets set for Panther Pace
The 17³Ô¹Ï Cross Country/Track & Field Club will host their major fundraiser-the Panther Pace 5km Fun Run on Tuesday, October 2 at 6:00 pm at the 17³Ô¹Ï Alumni Canada Games Place. Registration will begin at 5:00 pm inside the turf facility clubhouse.
The newly developed, student-administered club brings together students who enjoy running-both long and shorter distances-and who support and motivate each other in personal running goals. The student-athletes involved in the club are able to compete in all Atlantic University Sport (AUS) invitational events and also run in other local and regional events.
Although the club is a student initiative, there is an advisory group with representation from the Government of Prince Edward Island, Athletics PEI, PEISAA, PEI Roadrunners Community, 17³Ô¹Ï Athletics & Recreation, and 17³Ô¹Ï student-athlete runners. The advisory group was put in place to provide the students with any support needed along the way.
'17³Ô¹Ï Athletics & Recreation is pleased to support the development of a running club,' said Ron Annear, director of Athletics and Recreation at 17³Ô¹Ï. 'The opportunity has been made possible through strong interest from the community to partner with the club and to work closely with the student-athletes to form a training group. It's a natural sport to promote, especially with the quality of our athletics facilities and our athletes here at 17³Ô¹Ï.'
Melanie McKenna is a student-athlete and the club's president, 'I'm very excited to be a part of the creation of this new running club at 17³Ô¹Ï,' she said. 'With the tremendous facilities and quality of athletes we have, I think it will take off. Having so much support from the community and partners thus far, I have no doubt that we will grow as a sport and become a strong AUS contender.'
Club members are beginning to train together, and encourage all 17³Ô¹Ï students interested in running to join them. The club is also great for varsity athletes who wish to receive some extra training throughout their regular and/or off-seasons. For more information on the Panther Pace or to join the 17³Ô¹Ï Cross Country/Track & Field Club, please contact Melanie McKenna at mjmckenna@upei.ca or Janice Robertson, 17³Ô¹Ï Program and Athletic Facilities coordinator at (902) 566-0305 or robertson@upei.ca.