Athletics: Local Community Rallies around Belgian-bound youths

When the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club asked the local running community for support of two athletes set to represent Canada at the World Junior Cross-Country Championships, they were pleasantly surprised to see the level of generosity they received.

Going into their final week before departing for Brussels, Ottawa's running community has helped Mike Woods (17) and Katie Engel (16) raise the bulk of their expenses for the trip.

Unfortunately, only Woods will be able to make the trip.

Engel was admitted to hospital for an emergency appendectomy February 26th and will be unable to travel to Europe for the championship. She is currently recovering at home. Sadly Engel, was also unable compete at last year's championship due to age restrictions. She does hope to recover in time to qualify for the World Junior Track and Field Championships this summer in Turin, Italy. The funds raised for her have been deferred for that trip.

Woods, Engel, and the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club would like to thank the community for their overwhelming generosity.

"We were hoping to be able to help these athletes out through a few donations," said Lions Executive Director Scott MacDonald. "It turned out that much of their trip will be covered. We would like thank everyone who gave their help in raising awareness, or for simply sponsoring and giving donations."

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field club would like to recognize the following supporters:

The National Capital Runners Association
The National Capital Marathon
Zone3sports
Hillcrest High School
The Community of North Gower
The Running Room
The Ottawa 67s
Kettleman's Bagels

Visit the Ottawa Lions website at: www.ottawalions.com.