Hundreds of kids from Hanover School Division middle schools gathered at AD Penner Park yesterday for their Cross-Country meet.
Vital Renaud, physical education teacher at Landmark Elementary says they brought 43 runners from their grades 5 and 6 classes.
“That is the most Landmark Elementary has ever seen, so, I'm super proud of my Grade 5 and Grade 6 students for their willingness to try something new and their ability. Some of them were a little bit scared before the race and just conquering their fear, conquering some of the anxiety. All of them trying their best and finishing and cheering each other on. It was really great to see all the school spirit and just seeing all of them work together the way they did.”
He shares that many of Landmark’s runners did very well.
“Our top runner ended up getting 3rd for the grade 5 girls. We're super proud of that.”
He adds, “I love coaching this, especially with running. It's just I love seeing how many kids come out and do it. Some of them who don’t even classify themselves as runners, but they just try something new and even it's a bit scary for some of them.”
Renaud says watching his students come together as a community is the best part of his job.
“Seeing all of them compete, trying some new, trying their best, and them cheering each other on and just seeing that school spirit, that's what I love to see the most.”
AD Penner Park was beautiful with fall colours and great weather.
“I love this. I played football here growing up, so this kind of feels like home to me a little bit and I absolutely love it”
Renaud recognizes the organizers and all the work that went into putting the cross-country meet together.
“I just want to thank everyone that organized this and put it together. Thankful that we could all get together and have a great day for running.”
Many students enjoyed the weather in between their run by playing volleyball, soccer, football, or just walking around the park.
Check out some photos from the cross-country meet: