Community to host reception for P.E.I. Olympian
The Guardian
Jared Connaughton, from New Haven, P.E.I., celebrates
as he crosses the finish line after winning the 200m final
at the Canadian Track and Field Trials in Windsor, Ont.
Sunday, July 6. Canadian Press photo
CORNWALL — The community of New Haven/Riverdale will host a reception for Jared Connaughton at the APM Centre in Cornwall on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m.
All are welcome to attend the reception.
“We are extremely proud of Jared’s accomplishments over the past year, including his participation in the Olympics in Beijing,’’ said Sharon Slauenwhite, chair of the New Haven/Riverdale community council. “Although Jared has received recognition on the national and international stage, he has always remained loyal to his home community and province. It is time that we formally recognized Jared for his accomplishments.’’
Donalda Docherty, who is organizing the reception, praises Connaughton’s tenacity.
“Jared is a tenacious individual pursuing his dream with a focus on competing and winning at the highest level. He is an inspiration, not only to children in sports but to everyone with a desire to do their best,’’ said Docherty.
“We want to take this time to allow all Islanders and visitors to meet Jared and offer their congratulations for a job well done.’’
Connaughton is a graduate of Bluefield High School and attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he was named All Conference 13 times and a Division 1 Midwestern All American.
He is the 2008 Canadian national champion in the 200m and holds the Canadian trial and Windsor Stadium record of 20.34. Connaughton also has the fastest Canadian 100m in 2008 at 10.15.
He qualified through to semifinals in the 200m sprints in Beijing and also ran the third leg as a member of the Canadian 4 X 100m relay team which finished sixth at the Olympic final.
Connaughton is considered by experts to be one of the best corner runners in the world.
He plans to continue to race professionally with a goal of competing for a medal in the 2012 Olympics in London.
He is on the Island this month for some rest before rejoining the professional racing circuit.
Connaughton’s next major competition is the 2009 world championships in Germany.
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