The Kamloops Track and Field Club will host the throws portion of the Harry Jarome International Track Classic on June 13 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)
HARRY JEROME

Kamloops Track and Field Club seeing Harry Jerome partnership as opportunity to bring more meets to the city

Mar 12, 2021 | 4:36 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Harry Jerome International Track Classic has been going for nearly 60 years, renamed after the iconic Canadian track star in 1984.

It’s a premiere meet that’s been a stepping stone for some local and international athletes to the Olympics. The premise of this year’s meet is the same, giving athletes the platform to compete, but it will look different and Kamloops will play a role as host for the throws events, including shot put, discus and hammer throw.

Kamloops Track and Field Club coach Dylan Armstrong wanted to be a part of this unique opportunity.

“To be honest, I just got tired of not having enough events,” he told CFJC Today before practice on Friday. “We’re definitely known to have a lot of events. We’re just trying to be proactive here in Kamloops. We have the support we need from the city and the community. We have lots of officials that are keen to get going with the safety protocols in place. It’s time to get going and have fun.”

The throws competitions will take place June 13 on the lower field below Hillside Stadium. While on a smaller scale, with about 15 athletes in Kamloops, it’s a huge opportunity for many to have meaningful competition.

“We’ve got a few locals as far as trying to make world junior standards. I currently train two of them [Ethan Catsburg and Ryan Jacklin], and then obviously we have some top B.C.-ranked athletes out of Vancouver Island and Vancouver that are also trying to make standards.”

As the throws events go in Kamloops, track events will take place at the usual home for the Harry Jerome — Swangard Stadium in Burnaby — while jump events happen at UBC.

It’s unlikely any international athletes will be competing, a usual sight at the meet, due to federal quarantine rules. Nevertheless, Armstrong hopes the opportunity to partner with the Harry Jerome International Track Classic will lead to more events being staged here.

“There could be something definitely in the future,” said Armstrong. “Obviously this is a special year. I don’t think it’ll be an annual event in collaboration with the Harry Jerome, but we will definitely be trying to get some other events held here in town.”