Federal Way school district offers kids free track program

Published 9:48 am Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Now in its 43rd season, the Federal Way Public Schools Elementary Track and Field Program continues to expand. It’s easily the district’s largest athletic program, with approximately 2,000 students in grades kindergarden through the fifth grade participating each year, according to the district.

The district boasts the program is one of the most unique of its kind in the state. It’s offered free of charge, thanks to the many hours volunteered by administrators, athletic directors, teachers/coaches, school staff, students, parents, service organization and community members who help make the program successful.

There are no tryouts for the teams. All elementary students attending schools in the district are welcomed and encouraged to participate.

“This is a grassroots program that teaches goal setting and sportsmanship; values that will follow the students throughout their academic careers,” said Nova Jones, Mark Twain Elementary health and fitness teacher, in the district newsletter. “Most of all, we want our students to have fun through athletics.”

So many students take advantage of the program that there are two divisions and competitions are coordinated by division.

The Division 1 qualifier meet for grades third through fifth and kindergarten through second championship was held April 18.

The Division 2 qualifier meet for grades third through fifth and kindergarten through second championship was held on April 25.

The third through fifth grade championship meet will be held May 16.

The track program will also host a nationally-supported Run-A-Mile event on May 16 after thedivisional championship. All Federal Way Public Schools students in grades kindergarten through fifth are invited to run/walk this mile. Kids competing in the mile will receive a free T-shirt.