SAINT JOHN, NB – This track and field season, Irving Oil is supporting local athletics programs and events ranging from basic skills programs for grades 3 and up to the Canadian Masters Track and Field Championships for ages 30 and over.

 

Over the summer months, Irving will sponsor a program for South End youth called “Run, Jump, Throw.” The program, to be offered locally at the South End Community Centre by the Saint John Track Club, was developed by Athletics Canada as a way to introduce elementary school-age children to the basic elements of movement and coordination needed to participate in physical activity, such as track and field. During the next school year, the program will also be offered to St. John the Baptist-King Edward students in grades 3 and up. The Saint John Track Club has previously offered this program in partnership with School Districts 6 and 8.

 

Irving will also be the presenting sponsor for two national track and field events coming to New Brunswick this summer: the 2007 Canadian Masters Track and Field Championships to be held in Saint John during July and the 2007 Royal Canadian Legion Championships in Oromocto in August. Irving’s $20,000 contribution will cover the cost of equipment upgrades necessary to host these high-calibre events, with the upgraded equipment remaining at the Canada Games Stadium in Saint John for future use by local schools, youth groups and Athletics NB. The Canadian Masters event will showcase athletes from across North America, ranging in age from 30-80 years, while the Royal Canadian Legion Championships is a national competition for youth aged 14-17 years and is considered an important development step for future Canadian Olympians. 

 

“We’re very pleased to have Irving Oil’s support on these initiatives,” said Bill MacMackin of the Saint John Track Club. “Their contribution to programs like “Run, Jump, Throw” and the upgrading of equipment will have a lasting legacy for local track and field activities and will encourage more community involvement in the sport.”

 

“For the past five years, we’ve been a proud supporter of St. John the Baptist-King Edward School, sponsoring and participating in a number of academic and recreational programs,” said Warren Long, Director of Program Management with Irving Oil, and an avid runner who will be working with the Saint John Track Club on these initiatives. “Helping the Saint John Track Club expand the “Run, Jump, Throw” program to reach children in the area was a natural fit. The skills developed in track and field are fundamental to other sport involvement, so we’re proud to play a role in further promoting youth and community participation.”

 

For more information on the “Run, Jump, Throw” program and the upcoming competition events, visit the Saint John Track Club website at http://anb.ca/sjtc. 

 

Founded in 1924, Irving Oil is the regional refining and marketing company serving customers in Eastern Canada, Quebec, and New England with a range of finished energy products, including gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel, jet fuel and complementary products and services. The company's network of Bluecanoe and Mainway convenience stores throughout Eastern Canada and New England offers customers a wide variety of products and services, including grocery and snack items, bakeries and convenience items, in addition to fuel. In 2003, Irving Oil became the first oil company to win a USEPA Clean Air Excellence award for its low-sulphur gasoline. Approximately 7,000 people currently work with the company. 

 

For more information about Irving Oil, visit www.irvingoil.com.

 

Media Contact:

Jennifer Parker

Irving Oil

(506) 202-2992 

 

Bill MacMackin

Saint John Track Club