KelownaNow is in the forefront of recognizing the exploits and achievements of current athletes and teams in the Central Okanagan.
Our new commitment is to shine a light on sports achievements of past years and decades. From Lorne White's deep archives we're featuring the second in a series of TBT (Throwback Thursday) articles and photo galleries that will revive memories of athletes and coaches, as well as the supporting cast of families, friends and neighbours.
We welcome your throwback feedback. Contribute your favourite memories about these track and field athletes captured in action from 2004 to 2006. Fill us in via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram . . . how did the experience of competing in athletics as a youth shape your post-secondary years? Where did you land after high school and what are you up to now?
For continuing to help shape the sporting community and the Central Okanagan in general, thanks from Kelowna Now.
The Okanagan Athletics Club (OAC) is the evolution of the original Kelowna Track & Field Club (KTFC), founded in 1983 by a community group with a common love of track and field and an interest in the youth of Kelowna.
Photo Gallery (69 photos) on KelownaNowSports Facebook page
To allow the club the freedom to evolve and adapt to the current reality of youth sport in B.C,, the KTFC was reformed as the OAC in February 2011.
This transition allowed the club to move from an entirely volunteer organization to one offering minor paid positions to better attract and retain the high level of coaching and staff required to best meet the needs of our athletes.
From its early beginnings with 35 athletes, the club has evolved into one of the larger clubs in B.C. with over 160 athletes, coaches and officials. However, through this growth, the OAC has never lost sight that it exists for the sole benefit of its athletes. This philosophy is captured its mission statement:
“Personal Excellence Through Athletics”
The OAC’s focus has always been to ensure every athlete has the coaching and the opportunity to perform at their best, no matter their age or ability.
From this, the club has developed numerous athletes who have competed at the university level, nationally, internationally and even at the Olympics (Malindi Elmore in 2004).
Many of the club’s coaches have also followed suit with national and international representation.
The 2017 OAC season is under way and on Saturday the club is offering a spring pole vault clinic at the Apple Bowl from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and a high performance jumps clinic on Sunday.
Upcoming is a pair of twilight meets at the Apple Bowl. The first is set for April 21 and the second on May 26, both beginning at 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, the annual Jack Brow Memorial Track and Field Meet, hosted by the OAC, will be held June 30 to July 2.
For more information for all of these events, contact Karen Hatch (manager@okac.ca) or 250-862-6039.
Photo Gallery (69 photos) on KelownaNowSports Facebook page
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