I would like to acknowledge and salute the fine effort of the Vancouver Public Schools sports program. This program provides low-cost, or at no cost for all those who ask, after-school basketball, volleyball and track. Thousands of athletes, from 22 elementary schools across the district, benefit from this distinctive system.
Recently, after holding four separate area meets in the past weeks, the culminating all-district Blue Ribbon Track Meet was held. Proper thanks should be given to the legions of volunteers it takes to pull off such a large and complex undertaking. The sacrifice of their time and effort results in lifelong memories for all those involved. Indeed, many of the people reading this can recall their own experiences participating in this decades-old event and may still have a few cherished blue ribbons safely tucked away in a dusty box somewhere.
The parents and fans who were lucky enough to attend witnessed the unencumbered enthusiasm, school pride, and teamwork displayed by all participants. We should all be proud to have such a district that provides a welcoming, all-inclusive program that instills the love of sport and competitiveness coupled with the lessons of sportsmanship so vitally needed throughout life.
