Pee-wee runners get team of their own
Positive Running 4 Kids, or PRE-K, a new Next Level Track Club group, is off and running – literally.
“We’ve noticed the younger siblings of our Junior Olympics athletes for years, as they warmed up with the athletes, but we just didn’t quite know how to incorporate them into our team,” said Coaching Assistant Buddy Hayes.
Plans to develop the group began in the early part of the year with the help of parents like Yolanda Reid and Keith Perry, both of whom have children in PRE-K, which is made up of athletes between the ages of two and six.
Though kids that young are not officially recognized by track and field’s governing body, United States Track & Field, Next Level was able to find track meets that offered events for PRE-K athletes.
“Even though the athletes are members of Next Level, they were given their own identity and uniforms,” said Coach Keisha Hayes.
The team has already had great success. PRE-K has competed in five competitions throughout Virginia and North Carolina in events like the 50m, 100m, 4×100 relay and even the turbo javelin.
While the older athletes, who are still competing in the Junior Olympics, continue their quest for medals, the PRE-K program ended its season June 1. In the coming weeks, Next Level’s Junior Olympics athletes will compete in Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham and Richmond.
Learn more about the track club at www.nextleveltrackclub.com or call Buddy Hayes at 336-705-6818.
