For parents interested in getting their children involved in athletics during this summer vacation, Reading Recreation is providing a weekly Track and Field Meet Clinic for children between the ages of four and twelve. Co-ed events will be held each Wednesday from July 6 through August 3. Located at the Reading Memorial High School track, children will be split into two groups: ages four to six are welcome between 4:00–5:00pm, ages seven to twelve between 5:15-6:15pm.
Led by RMHS’ track coach Scott Price (pictured), and several experienced volunteers, participants will be taught dynamic warm-ups and learn about various running and field events which will rotate weekly.
“For this track clinic, we’ve got volunteers who were track athletes from the high school team. We’re here to teach kids what track is about,” says Coach Scott Price, “The reason I wanted to do this is to get kids interested in track. Track is kind of hard to get into until the kids reach high school, so it’s great to get the younger kids interested. I think it’s good to get kids in the community involved in track.”
At a recent clinic, Coach Price led the transition for different exercises while the volunteers (former RMHS track athletes) acted as mentors to the participants by showing them individually how to properly warm up and perform the exercises. Eager to get kids experienced in athletics, Coach Price and the volunteers supplied sporting equipment used to train track athletes for events: cones were placed on the high school field, and kids were led to practice running, jumping jacks, and other exercises. Positive reinforcement was given to all participants, regardless of who crossed the finish line first.
“It’s an easy, non-competitive way for kids to get involved in athletics and sports,” says one parent, “It’s great to see the kids active during summer vacation. It was nice to know that Reading Recreation provided a website of local activities for kids, especially knowing that some school activities would be closed for the summer. Kids got to meet others and get exercise, with no pressure on them like other sports.”
Please visit www.readingrec.com for more information and to register. The fee is $49 per participant, with a $10 discount for second children or participants of the same family. Additionally, those interested in becoming a volunteer timekeeper or recorder can contact the Reading Recreation division.
