Pizio-Perry, Baglole top runners in road race ch'ship series

http://www.journalpioneer.com/Sports/2011-03-15/article-2332996/Pizio-Perry%2C-Baglole-top-runners-in-road-race-chship-series/1

Pizio-Perry, Baglole top runners

in road race ch'ship series

Submitted photo

ADL/Sport P.E.I. achievement winners received their awards at the P.E.I. RoadRunners Club annual general meeting and awards dinner in Charlottetown recently. From left: Jennifer Pizio-Perry of Tignish, top senior female runner; Thomas Lewis of Marshfield, junior male winner; Barrie MacWilliams, representing ADL, and Steven Baglole of Cornwall), top senior male runner.

Published on March 15, 2011

Staff ~ The Journal Pioneer

CHARLOTTETOWN - The P.E.I. RoadRunners Club recently celebrated another successful year during its 34th annual general meeting and awards dinner at the Charlottetown Legion.

Steven Baglole of Cornwall and Jennifer Pizio-Perry of Tignish won the Hashems Variety Senior Male and Female Road Race Championship Series, and ADL/Sport P.E.I. senior achievement awards. These awards are presented to runners who collect the most points based on their placing in various club races.

In the junior male category, 16-year-old Thomas Lewis of Marshfield won the ADL/Sport P.E.I. achievement award while Ellen Burnett of Charlottetown and Arielle Schleichkorn of Summerside tied for the ADL/Sport P.E.I. junior female achievement award.

Top rookies

Arnie Johnston of Summerside was announced as the Cox & Palmer Law rookie of the year. Johnston competed in 16 races, including the tough Harvest Festival 25-kilomoetre event and the Prince Edward Island half marathon.

Manny Costain of Summerside was awarded the Proude's Shoes most improved runner.

Over past three racing seasons, Costain improved his average pace from just under eight minutes per mile to a fast 6:30 pace per mile, setting new personal bests at all race distances.

Inspirational award

The Ewen Stewart Inspirational Runner Award went to Lynn Anne Hogan of Kensington and Ronda Bellefontaine of Prince Town Road. The award, sponsored by the Prince Edward Island Marathon, is named in honour of a founding member of the club.

Hogan and Bellefontaine started by offering a learn-to-run five-kilometre program, which quickly grew into the "Island Girls Running Club" that encourages and supports more than a dozen women - and now some of their spouses - from the Kensington area. This took them from "the couch" to the finish line of the half marathon in two years.

Hogan actually completed her first marathon this past fall at the Prince Edward Island Marathon.

RoadRunners of year

John Van Ekris of Charlottetown was named the 2010 Sporting Intentions male RoadRunner of the year, recognizing his efforts to organize a Tri-Province Terry Fox 50-kilometre Bridge Run, raising $4,000 for Terry Fox, as well as his own ultra-runs, including a 100-mile run on his birthday.

Janet Norman-Bain (Oyster Bed Bridge) was recognized as the 2010 Good Guys Auto Glass female RoadRunner of the year for her many contributions to the club, including promotion of running on the Runman blog.

Volunteer of year

Les MacKay of Charlottetown was presented with the Gemini Screen Printing & Embroidery volunteer-of-the-year award. A teacher at Charlottetown Rural, MacKay acted as race director for four 2010 runs. MacKay's motivation was to help his students maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, and to help them raise funds for charity organizations that the students support.

Lifetime membership

An honorary lifetime membership was presented to Parker Lund, a former resident of Charlottetown. Lund was instrumental in the formation of the P.E.I. RoadRunners Club back in 1977, when road racing was in its infancy on Prince Edward Island.

Halfway down the road to the Games

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=228909&sc=118

Halfway down the road to the Games

NANCY MACPHEE
The Journal Pioneer

Only 161 days remain until the start of the 2009 Canada Games.
While it frightens him to admit it, Joseph Spriet’s confident the host committee is in “excellent shape” to host the two-week national sporting event.“It scares me to death to say that,” said the host committee president. “When you start thinking you’re in great shape, Murphy’s Law comes into play. I don’t want to see Murphy around anywhere.”
By all indications things are quickly falling into place for the August event.
Facilities at UPEI are 85 to 90 per cent complete. Montague’s new multi-million dollar recreation facility should be done by May 31, which comes as a big relief to organizers, and upgrades to existing facilities are either underway or complete.
Recently, the host committee and Slemon Park Corporation signed its venue agreement while the food services contract with Chartwells, which will serve up 100,000 meals over two weeks to the 4,400 athletes, was inked last week.
Both, as was the Montague complex, had been “red flags” for the committee.
The issue at Slemon Park was space for beds for athletes.
“We had to get to a point where Slemon Park and the host society could agree on the costs of either an apartment building, upgrading Building 48 to be able to host athletes and the other option, which was not too palatable, to bring in temporary facilities like trailers.”
With an agreement to renovate the existing building, “all of the other pieces” are now in place for the week one athletes’ village.With food services, cost was the issue.
“They’ve made some accommodations,” said Spriet.
“Our Games have always been mandated to be very athlete-centred. There’s no cutting back here.”
Next week, the host committee unveils its volunteer clothing and in the weeks that follow more staff will be hired.
While press conferences and facilities work are visible benchmarks, there’s much more going on behind the scenes that the public doesn’t see, said Spriet.
Twelve divisions, each with its own committee, have taken on a component of the Games, from services and turnaround to volunteers.
“We’re moving along very well,” added Spriet. “We feel we are in very good shape to stage the Games when August rolls around.”
There’s a contingency plan and a contingency fund in place if problems arise, both of which Spriet hopes won’t be used.
In July, the host committee will run through all the scenarios that its 12 committees could face during the Games and all systems will be tested.
“We can’t cover everything but we can try,” said Spriet.
“I think we’re in excellent shape.”

Gearing up for Games

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=186070&sc=118

	Ian MacGougan of CBCL Consultants looks over the progress made to date on sports fields adjacent to Summerside's Credit Union Place.

Gearing up for Games

NANCY MACPHEE
The Journal Pioneer

SUMMERSIDE - With 284 days remaining until the start of the 2009 Canada Games, work on facilities across the province is, for the most part, on schedule.

In Summerside, a multi-sport artificial turf field, beach volleyball courts and tennis courts should be complete by mid-November and sports fields at UPEI are 85 per cent finished.

But in Montague, where work has just started, it's another story.

"That has been delayed and delayed," said host society president Joseph Spriet. "It's started now, but there is a bit of concern that they are not further ahead than they are."

The venue is slated to host female wrestling. Spriet has been in talks with two facilities interested in the event if Montague's wellness centre isn't ready.

"We're building that for the purpose of the Canada Games and some money was leveraged to get that done so it would be a shame if we actually couldn't host games there," said Spriet, who optimistically added, "I'm sure it will be ready."

Canada Games is putting a total of $14 million into upgrading existing facilities or building new fields and venues. In Summerside alone, a few million is being spent, with $2 million funneled to Credit Union Place for the opening ceremonies and to get ready to host basketball.

"Really, I am beside myself and I don't want to shout too loud, but it's wonderful to be in a position where we are now," added Spriet. "It's quite rewarding to see what has happened."

The Games will leave a legacy on P.E.I. and its athletes, said facilities co-ordinator Robert Arsenault.

Communities will be beneficiaries of improved and, in some cases, new facilities, along with equipment.

"It certainly gives us an opportunity to host national scale events but also gives our home athletes a training venue," said Arsenault.

"That home field advantage just doesn't last for the two weeks of the games. It's ongoing."



Mult-use field nearly ready

Work should be complete by mid-November on construction of Summerside's multi-million Canada Games sports fields.

The work, adjacent to Credit Union Place, has a $2.9 million pricetag.

First, there's a multi-sport synthetic turf field, located north of Willow Avenue. The 76x108-metre regulation soccer field with turf end zones, which can be later used for football, will be used for men and women's soccer.

Technical services director Aaron MacDonald said preliminary work is done. All that's needed is the artificial turf, which is currently being fabricated.

"We are waiting to hear word from them when they plan to arrive to install it," said MacDonald.

The artificial turf will be laid before snow falls and, once spring arrives, the field will be ready for use as soon as the snow melts. Adjacent to that field is a small gravel parking area.

South of Willow Drive along Greenwood Drive are the two beach volleyball courts, each measuring 26x36 metres.

Sand is currently being laid, work that's expected to be done before winter.

Built on site is a 9x12-metre clubhouse/storage building, which includes two single washrooms, small storage area and electrical room.

Underground conduit is in place to allow the area, which currently has no lighting and won't for the Games, to be illuminated in the future.

Three tennis courts, each regulation size, are being constructed in the area south of Willow Avenue along Greenwood Drive. These courts won't be used for the Games. Tennis competition will take place in Charlottetown.

The city has "greened" out another area for a future field.



For more on the Journal-Pioneer's snapshot on how the Island is getting ready for the Games, pick up Monday's paper edition of the Journal-Pioneer.

Halloween Hustle termed a success

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=184629&sc=119
Halloween Hustle termed a success
First annual event attracts 80-plus runners

	Mike Saulnier and his son, Caleb, approach the finish line of the Halloween Hustle five-kilometre fun run and walk in Kensington recently. Submitted photo

The Journal Pioneer

KENSINGTON -- The first annual Halloween Hustle fun run and walk has been deemed a huge success.
Overall, a total of 81 runners and walkers, not including dressed-up dogs, participated in the five-kilometre event in Kensington.
"Running and walking are activities for the entire family, including the four or five puppies who participated," commented race organizers Ronda Bellefontaine and Lynne Anne Hogan.

Overall winner
Tyler Seller, who was registered in the male 17-and-over category, was the overall race winner in 16:45. The male 16-and-under winner, Dakota Cameron, was second overall in 17:46.
In male 17-and-over, Steve Reeves was second in 19:17 and Alex Bain finished third in 19:53.
Sandy Carson-McGuire was the first female runner to hit the finish line in 21:55. She was followed by Bonnie Smith in 22:04 and Janice Ployer, who stopped the clock in 22:06. All three ran in the female 17-and-over group.
Tiffany Cameron had a time of 25:50 to claim the female 16-and-under title.

Fundraiser
Overall, a total of $714 was raised. The IWK Health Centre and Kensington Fitplex will each receive $332 and $50 will be donated to the P.E.I. Roadrunners Association.
Bellefontaine and Hogan also recognized the Kensington Save Easy for providing post-race snacks; businesses that provided awards and door prizes; Town of Kensington for the race venue and support of its police force, and the volunteers at the water stations.

P.E.I. School Athletic Association Cross-Country Championships

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P.E.I. School Athletic Association Cross-Country Championships
Glen Stewart, Stonepark, Hernewood double winners

	Novice girls crowd a path at Mill River Provincial Park during the provincial cross-country championships recently. Eric McCarthy/Journal Pioneer

The Journal Pioneer

MILL RIVER -- The 2008 P.E.I. School Athletic Association Source for Sports provincial cross-country championships attracted 703 runners and approximately 2,000 spectators to Mill River Provincial Park recently.
The Westisle family of schools hosted the event for pre-novice to midget-aged runners.
Midget and juvenile runners competed for individual and team titles at Charlottetown Rural High School in Charlottetown on Thursday. While the weather was clear but a little cool for spectators at Mill River, it was ideal for the runners, and some very close finishes were recorded.
"We had a great bunch of responsible students from the Callaghan Intermediate leadership program," reported meet manager Paul Goguen. "These students along with many adult volunteers ran the competition with jobs from finish line officials, scorers, course marshals to parking cars. They all did a fantastic job."
A large time clock borrowed from the P.E.I. Roadrunners' Club helped spectators and runners track finish times.
PEISAA executive director Paul Steele indicated he was impressed with the runners for conquering the challenging course.
Glenn Stewart Elementary won two of the four team titles for elementary-aged runners. Hernewood (bantam and midget girls) and Stonepark (bantam and midget boys) split the four-team titles for students from intermediate schools.
Tignish Elementary won the pre-novice boys' team title and Elm Street Elementary won novice girls.
Pre-novice runners tackled a 1.5-kilometre course and Kelsey MacKinnon from Miscouche and Ryan Boswell from Eliot River had first-place times of 7:32 and 6:51, respectively.
Lydia Schurman from Elm Street's first-place team and Niall Burnett from West Kent were the first girl and boy to complete the novice runners' 2.5-kilometre course in times of 11:00 and 10:36 respectively.
The bantams ran a 3.0-kilometre course, with Maggee Fraser from Hernewood's winning girls' team and Alex Cyr from Evangeline having first-place times of 11:44 and 10:04.
Melissa Richardson from East Wiltshire was the first girl to complete the midgets' 3.5-kilometre course in a time of 15:20 while Kyle Gillis from Stonepark's championship team was the first boy to finish, in a time of 13:32.

Daltons hoping to complete ironman course in 17 hours

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Daltons hoping to complete ironman course in 17 hours

Paul Dalton gets in some practice in preparation for his participation in the Ironman Canada
race in British Columbia on Sunday. The event combines swimming, biking and running.
His daughter, Paulette, will also be participating. Eric McCarthy/Journal Pioneer

ERIC MCCARTHY

The Journal Pioneer

ST. EDWARD -- The Boston marathon is a walk in the park compared to this - St. Edward resident Paul Dalton leaves Thursday for Penticton, B.C., where he and his daughter, Paulette, are registered to compete in Sunday's Ironman Canada race.
Dalton has already run three Boston Marathons and has qualified for next year's race. His daughter, a nurse in Toronto, is still a few seconds away.
"I'd say next year she'll qualify," he predicted.
"I thought just getting her to Boston would be a big thing, but Ironman Canada is 10 times that," said Dalton as he prepared for his flight to the West Coast. He'll meet Paulette at an airport in British Columbia.
Ironman is a triathlon competition combining swimming, biking and running.
But that description does not pay the event justice. Participants will swim 3.8 kilometres across the Okanagan Lake, then hop on their bicycles and pedal 180 kilometres, with climbs of up to 1,500 metres. They end the endurance event with a full marathon run - 42.2 kilometres.
"I don't know who invented these things," he quipped.
Participants have 17 hours to complete the course and the Daltons are hoping to cover it in 13. They're not in it to win, Paul confirms. They've been advised to give the field a 30-second head start before plunging into the first leg of the race.
Paul registered for this year's event on 2007 race day.
The $1,000 entry fee was too steep for the nursing student, but her contest story about Wigwam socks and her desire to race with her father earned her the entry prize.
"So it was meant to be," her father suggests.
Paul, who marked his 50th birthday on July 4 with a 100K bike ride and 5K run, took up swimming in 2002 when Paulette suggested they try a triathlon.
He could only last two laps of the Mill River pool starting out. Now he does laps off Miminegash harbour.
He expects to be well behind his daughter when he exits the lake Sunday.
"She's a faster swimmer," acknowledges Paul, who will be working to close the gap on the bike and admits there's a competitive spirit between them.
"Some day she'll pass me and I'll give her a High 5 as she goes by," he commented.
Paul extended thanks to individuals and organizations that are helping to sponsor his participation in Sunday's race.

Canada's Connaughton reaches semifinals in 200m

http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/athletics/story/2008/08/17/olympics-athletics-200.html

Canada's Connaughton reaches semifinals in 200m

Jared Connaughton, middle, duels Brendan Christian, left, and Aaron Armstrong. (William West/Getty Images)

Charlottetown's Jared Connaughton sounded supremely confident following Monday's qualifying for the semifinals of the men's 200 metres at the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

"It was easy, Connaughton told CBC Sports. "I was relaxed and in control and that is what the plan was."

Connaughton, 23, finished third in the eighth and final heat in a time of 20.60 seconds.

The top three finishers in each heat advanced, as did the next three fastest finishers.

Connaughton held second place behind Aaron Armstrong of Trinidad and Tobago, but he eased up at the finish line and slipped to third behind Armstrong (20.57) and Antigua's Brendan Christian (20.58).

"It is the biggest atmosphere I have been in … I let the crowd really energize me and bring me home," Connaughton said. "I ran that about 75 per cent."

Finnish hopeful Visa Hongisto made a late lunge to try to catch Connaughton, but he settled for fourth in 20.62.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2008/08/18/connaughton-semis.html

Connaughton squeaks into 200 semifinal

P.E.I.'s Jared Connaughton will run in the semifinal of the 200-metre race in Beijing, the slowest to make it through the second round of heats.

After placing third in his preliminary race Monday morning with a time of 20.60, Connaughton had to make the top 16 during a second round of heats later in the day. Connaughton had the 16th-fastest time in that round, at 20.45 seconds.

Running in the first heat and placing fourth, Connaughton had to wait for the other three heats to go before knowing if he would advance.

"I was pretty confident that that first heat that I was in was going to be the fastest anyway, so I'm happy I'm through," he told CBC News after the race. Making it to the final will take an extra-special run, he added.

"A personal best, for sure. I've run 20.34, .35, .36 this year. I think if I can go into 20.30, I have a shot at getting through," he said.

Connaughton runs in the semifinals Tuesday night, at 10:25 a.m. Tuesday AT. The top eight will advance to the final Wednesday night.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=163306&sc=99

Confidence pays off for Connaughton

ROB VANSTONE
Canwest News Service

BEIJING — Jared Connaughton of New Haven, P.E.I., has qualified for a Tuesday semifinal in the men’s 200-metre event in the Beijing Olympics’ track and field competition.

Connaughton began Monday by finished third in a heat with a time of 20.60 seconds. In a subsequent quarter-final, his time of 20.45 was good enough for him to advance to the third round.

Before the quarter-final, Connaughton received some encouragement from former Olympic 100-metre champion Donovan Bailey.

“Donovan and I were over there chatting,’’ Connaughton said. “He said, ‘I’m a pretty confident guy. I think you’ll get through.’ When he said that, I was pretty convinced I’d get through. Now I’m off to the semifinal and hopefully the final the day after.’’

Connaughton advanced despite running in the outside lane, which is not necessarily an advantageous placement.

“It’s the Olympic Games. I’m blessed to be here,’’ he said. “If they had made me run in the first row of the crowd, I would have done that, too.’’

Preparing for his Olympic debut, Connaughton was so excited that he could hardly sleep.

“I had to get up at six (in the morning) and I woke up at 3:30,’’ he said. “It was one of those things where I was just really anxious to go. I’ve got two races under my belt at the Olympic Games and a third tomorrow, and hopefully a fourth the day after. I’m pumped to be here and I’m really excited to represent my family, myself and my country.’’

Rob Vanstone is in Beijing as part of the Canwest News Service Olympic Team



At a glance

Competitor: Jared Connaughton

Event: Track and field

Class: Men’s 200-metre

Event time: Semifinal begins at 9:25 p.m. Tuesday (Beijing), 9:25 a.m. ET Tuesday (Canada)

Born: July 20, 1985, Charlottetown,P.E.I.

Hometown: New Haven, P.E.I.

Height: Five foot nine

Weight: 170 pounds

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=163259&sc=118

Connaughton advances to 200 m semifinal

The Journal Pioneer

BEIJING - New Haven's Jared Connaughton is one step closer to his Olympic dream.
The 23-year-old narrowly advanced to the semifinal in the men's 200 metre at the Beijing Olympics.
Connaughton placed third in his preliminary race Monday to advance to the second round of heats with a time of 20.60 seconds. In the second round later in the day, the sprinter placed fifth, one spot out of contention.
Connaughton had to wait for three other heats to finish before finding out that he would advance.
He ended up with the 16th fastest time - 20.45 seconds -- just fast enough to squeak into the semifinal.
Brian Dzingai of Zimbabwe was the fastest runner in the men's 200 m event at the National Stadium, finishing with a time of 20.23 seconds
Connaughton runs in the semifinals Tuesday at 10:25 a.m. AT. The top eight will advance to Wednesday's final. Both will be broadcast live on CBC television and live online at cbcsports.ca.
Connaughton, who trains at the University of Texas, Arlington, is also a member of Canada's 4x100 metre relay team, which begins competing Thursday.
His personal best in the 200 m is 20.34 seconds while Dzingai's best is 20.12.
Michael Johnson of the United States currently holds the world and Olympic records in the 200 m, a time of 19.32 seconds recorded in Atlanta in 1996.
This is Connaughton's first Olympic games.
He won silver at the 2007 Pan American Games in the 4x100 m relay, bronze in the 2007 Canadian Championships and silver at the 2006 Canadian Championships.

A Personal Best 25K - The Kensington Harvest Festival 2008

It was foggy and cloudy and 16-18 degrees.

The perfect run weather.


The Harvest Festival Run was a longest running road race in PEI.


The mile mark every mile and every 5km mark on the route.


The largest personal best time for almost 13 minutes from last year and finishes in 2:01:19 and came in 30th out of 67 runners.


Mike MacKinnon won the race and Jen Nicholson for the top female and set a new female race record from 1982 by less than three minutes.



Francis Fagan ran the Stanchel to Kensington to Stanchel to Kensington total of 75km for the most dedicated runner award.



I watching the Olympic Women Marathon on CBC tonight the race course on Beijing from square to "The Bird Nest" stadium.

More Photos

Official Result: 30th out of 67
25K in 2 hours, one minute and 19 seconds

Kensington Harvest Fest 2007
Kensington Harvest Fest 2006
Kensington Harvest Fest 2005
Kensington Harvest Fest 2004

Photos from 2004-2008 Harvest Fest Run

Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance not cure

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=162891&sc=118

Nicholson sets new female record
At Harvest Festival Road Race

KENSINGTON
JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

KENSINGTON -- Jen Nicholson of Cornwall set a new female course record in the 35th annual Community Harvest Festival 25K Road Race here Saturday morning.

The 39-year-old school teacher, who’s currently a stay-at-home mom, stopped the clock in one hour 42 minutes two seconds (1:42:02), good enough for 11th overall. She was one second shy of knocking three minutes off the previous 26-year-old record of 1:45:01 that was set by Jane Beairsto of Sarnia, Ont., in 1982.

Mike MacKinnon, 35, of Miscouche was the overall race winner in 1:32:22.

A record field of 68 runners participated.

See complete story in Monday’s Journal Pioneer.

Granting wishes for children

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=162669&sc=103
EDITORIALS
Granting wishes for children

The runners from HMCS Charlottetown outdid themselves last weekend in their bid to raise cash for the Children's Wish Foundation. Hats off to them - and to those who donated so generously to the cause of bringing a little joy into the lives of sick kids.

The sixth annual Run 4 Wishes raised more than $60,000 for the Children's Wish Foundation. This far exceeds not only last year's $32,000 total, but this year's projected goal of $40,000. That must be gratifying to the participants in the run who, over the course of five days, ran an estimated 364 kilometres travelling from North Cape to East Point and ending in Charlottetown on Saturday. The actual amount raised (as of the last report received this week) was $64,968.50.

Since the run was started, the group has granted six wishes. This year's collection will enable the group to keep on giving. This is a significant gesture of support for these very brave and special young people in our community.

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=162788&sc=118

Run4Wishes total ‘crazy’

NANCY MACPHEE
The Journal Pioneer

Leading Seaman Michael Murphy was shocked by Run4Wishes’ final tally.
“That’s crazy,” he said of the $64,968.50 total. “We doubled last year.”
Run4Wishes, a five-day tip-to-tip run in aid of the P.E.I. chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation, wrapped up last weekend.
It was the sixth year crew from HMCS Charlottetown took to Island roadways to raise money to help grant wishes for ailing youngsters.
Murphy admitted it was a gruelling week. Weather didn’t exactly co-operate, with rain each of the five days, sometimes so heavy it slowed the runners’ progress.
“The runners on the team, there were a lot of guys at the end of the day whose feet were bleeding,” he added. “They just kept on running.”
What made the blisters and sore feet worthwhile was meeting youngsters like Summerside’s Pacey MacIsaac, who had a wish granted thanks, in part, to the runners’ past efforts.
“It’s very special when you get to see the children that you helped in some way. We work really hard to be able to raise all this money,” said Murphy. “I’m really glad that people embraced what we’re doing. It’s an organization that’s in their own province and we’re helping them. I’m lost for words right now because it’s a lot of money.”
With the almost $65,000 raised, at least five children with life-threatening illnesses will have a wish granted.
Islanders generously donated along the run route and at Island Credit Union locations. Daily barbecues were held at Sobeys’ locations and, at each store, people could donate by rounding up their purchase to the next dollar.
“Without the amount of support we received on the Island we wouldn’t be able to do what we did. The most important thing is that the children on P.E.I. that need these wishes would thank the people of P.E.I. more than I would,” said Murphy.
“I think it means more to the kids than anybody else. That’s why we did it.”
To view photos from the run and the wrap-up video, visit

Run4Wishes doubles last year's tally ... and they're still counting

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=160830&sc=118

Run4Wishes doubles last year's tally ... and they're still counting

ERIC MCCARTHY
The Journal Pioneer

O’LEARY — “Still today I can’t believe it,” Leading Seaman Michael Murphy remarked Sunday.
He served as organization committee chair for HMCS Charlottetown’s sixth annual Run4Wishes. It was carried out across Prince Edward Island over a five-day period ending Saturday in their ship’s namesake city.
“It’s still rising right now,” Murphy said of the $61,702,55 tally that was revealed during a Saturday night reception.
“People were — they couldn’t believe it. It was silence for a minute and then, ‘Holy cow!’” Murphy said of the reaction when the total flashed on a screen. Then there was standing applause.
Twenty-three members of the ship’s crew ran a relay across P.E.I., joined along the way by several Islanders.
Last year’s run raised $32,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Organizers had set a goal of raising enough money this year to grant at least four wishes. On average, wishes cost between $10,000 and $12,000.
This year’s tally, as of Saturday, will grant wishes for at least five children with serious or life-threatening illness.
“It just goes to show the generosity of Islanders,” Murphy acknowledged.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=160889&sc=98

Run 4 Wishes raises $60,000

STACEY MURRAY
The Guardian


A group of runners from HMCS Charlottetown helped raise more than $60,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation, almost double the total raised last year.
The sixth annual Run 4 Wishes raised $61,702 and is still collecting donations from several locations, said leading seaman Michael Murphy. Over the course of five days, the group ran approximately 364 kilometres, travelling from North Cape to East Point, and ending their run Saturday in Charlottetown.
Murphy said he was happy with how the run has turned out.
“The thing that surprised me was the amount of momentum the run gained.”
In June, Murphy told The Guardian he hoped to raise $40,000 from the run, to surpass last year’s total of $32,000.
They never thought they’d be able to raise more than $60,000, he said.
“Never in my wildest dreams.”
The accomplishment hasn’t quite sunk in yet, he said.
“I don’t know how I feel right now.”
Leading seaman Michael Bastarache drove alongside the runners, accepting donations in the Run 4 Wishes giant running shoe, which has been a part of the run for several years. Collecting more than $1,000 a day in the shoe, he said support has been excellent.
“It was really good. There was a huge turnout.”
Over the course of the run’s history, the group has granted six wishes. Murphy said money raised this year means they’ll be able to grant six more wishes, all of which will go to children on the Island.
“All the money raised this week stays on P.E.I.”

Canada Games mascots unveiled

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=160640&sc=118

Canada Games mascots unveiled

The Journal Pioneer

SUMMERSIDE — The 2009 Canada Games has a mascot — actually two.
The new mascots were unveiled Friday at a splashy ceremony held at Summerside’s Credit Union Place.
The two, named Abbie (after the Mi’kmaq word Abegweit for the Island) and Eddie (after Edward in Prince Edward Island), were mobbed by more than a hundred children when they were introduced.
Children were given bubble-blowers minutes before the mascots’ grand entrance and didn’t waste any time filling the air with gossamer bubbles.
“Abbie and Eddie are great ambassadors for Prince Edward Island and the 2009 Canada Games and we are thrilled to introduce them to children of all ages today,” said Canada Games host society president Joseph Spreit.
“I must commend our volunteer mascot committee who helped plan for their creation as these characters will be able to tell a unique story about the Games, and appeal to children across our Island and our country.”
Peggy Miles, the Credit Union Place’s special events co-ordinator, said the mascot committee did plenty of “brainstorming” and had tossed around many ideas for mascots based on foxes, lighthouses and lobsters, to name a few.
“But none of those really quite fit,” said Miles, chair of the mascot committee.
But after consulting with children — the target audience — they came with an “animated brother and sister act”, she said.
The mascots will have a busy schedule with several appearances throughout the Island slated for Aug. 10-21.

Bertram extends best wishes to Island athletes

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=160427&sc=118

Bertram extends best wishes to Island athletes

STAFF
The Journal Pioneer

Cultural Affairs Minister Carolyn Bertram has extended Islanders' best wishes to P.E.I. Olympians Kara Grant and Jared Connaughton, who are participating in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

“It is important that both Kara and Jared go into these Games knowing that Islanders are very proud of their hard work, their spirit and their determination,” said Bertram.

There are 331 Canadian athletes competing in Beijing from August 8 - 24. This is Grant's second time participating in Olympic Games. She competed in Athens, Greece in 2004 and will compete in the modern pentathlon.

Connaughton is Prince Edward Island's first Canada Games double gold medal winner. This is his first time at the Olympic Games where he will run in the Men's 200m and the second leg of the Men's 4 x 100m relay.

“I want all Islanders to have the opportunity to let our athletes know that we support them,” said Bertram. To help Islanders convey their own best wishes, the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour has set up a website www.gov.pe.ca/go/olympics where people can go online and post messages of encouragement for Jared and Kara.

“Let’s show Jared and Kara that we are confident that they will do well and are cheering them on from home,” she said.

“I encourage Islanders to go to our new web page and send a message to our Prince Edward Island Olympians.”

Transcontinental Media named silver sponsor of 2009 Canada Games

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=158295&sc=118

Transcontinental Media named silver sponsor of 2009 Canada Games

STAFF
The Journal Pioneer

STRATFORD - Transcontinental Media has come aboard as a major sponsor of the 2009 Canada Summer Games on P.E.I.

Wayne Carew, vice-president of the Friends of the Games division, announced the sponsorship during a press conference today at the Canadian Golf Academy in Stratford.

Transcontinental Media is the parent company of the Journal Pioneer in Summerside and the Guardian in Charlottetown.

The silver-level sponsorship has a value of over $200,000. It includes promotion and advertising through those two papers but also a contest through the company’s national magazine division for a group of four to experience the Games. Transcontinental Media will also sponsor the golf competition, which will mark the first time the sport will be featured as part of the Canada Games.

"Transcontinental is committed to playing an active role in the communities in which we operate," said Transcontinental Media president Natalie Larivière, who traveled to the Island for today’s event. "We concentrate our efforts on the vital areas of health, education, culture and community development so the Canada Games is a particularly good fit for our company."

The Games take place across the Island Aug. 15 to 29, 2009.

Time for Islanders to do their bit for the Games

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=156867&sc=103

Time for Islanders to do their bit for the Games
Volunteering for this event is a chance to participate in a truly Canadian celebration

EDITORIAL STAFF
The Guardian

P.E.I.'s minister responsible for sport and recreation is looking for a few good men and women - 6,000 to be exact. Carolyn Bertram says that's how many volunteers are needed to help with next summer's Canada Summer Games on Prince Edward Island.
Every two years Canada's young athletes gather for either the winter or summer games. And in just a little over 12 months from now Islanders will get an opportunity to prove why P.E.I. hospitality is world famous.
A successful Canada Games has three vital components. First off, the games must offer excellent venues for the 18 sporting events that are planned. Secondly, training programs need to be in place to allow our P.E.I. athletes to perform to the best of their abilities.
Last, but certainly not least, is the need to have enough volunteers on hand to run the games. Without an adequate number the Summer Games won't take place, it's as simple as that.
The official launch of the volunteer recruitment campaign for the 2009 Summer Games took place last week, at which time Bertram pointed out the need for P.E.I. volunteers "from coast to coast to coast."
If history is any indication Bertram's call will be heeded. Islanders have a well-deserved reputation of showing up when they are most needed. A good example was the last time Prince Edward Island hosted the Canada Games. That was 1991 and it was the Winter Games.
Advances in technology since then are helping make things easier for people to volunteer. A website has been created to allow people to apply online as volunteers.
By visiting www.2009canadagames.com, Islanders can choose what type of volunteer job they'd like and what sport they would like to be involved with. But it's not just in sports that volunteers are needed, many other talents are needed. Information technology and medical services, for example, are two other areas.
One challenge Summer Games organizers face is finding volunteers from all across Prince Edward Island. The 2009 Canada Games will be the first held provincewide since the Games began in 1967, so that means volunteers will be needed from all across the Island. That can be viewed as a challenge but it can also be viewed as a positive. It means Islanders in areas outside the two major centres of Summerside and Charlottetown will get the opportunity to help make the Games successful and memorable.
In the coming months Summer Games organizers will be travelling across the Island to talk to community groups and organizations about volunteering. The organizers will be offering Islanders an opportunity to get involved in a modern day Canadian institution.
The Canada Games are special in many ways, and not just because they are a showcase for our best young athletes. They also serve as a cultural celebration of all things Canadian.
Who wouldn't want to be involved in that? It's a safe bet that Prince Edward Islanders will step up to the plate as volunteers to show both their pride of this province and love of Canada.

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=157171&sc=120

Fun and Games go arm in arm

The Journal Pioneer

The 2009 Canada Games wants you as a new recruit. The organizing committee put out the call last week for volunteers to help pull off the huge two-week sporting event set to take place in P.E.I. next summer.
The committee estimates 6,000 people will be needed to help in a number of areas, from transporting athletes, aiding in areas such as information technology and medical services to helping with the 18 sports at the Games.
And without volunteers the Games likely won’t go ahead.
Admittedly, giving of one’s time with no monetary reward is a huge favour to ask and lining up 6,000 Islanders willing to do just that won’t be an easy feat.
Schedules will have to be changed, vacations booked for that time and lots of planning done in advance for each person who signs up.
But, as has been proven in the past, Islanders always step up to the plate.
Just look at Summerside, for example.
For years the city has played host to national and international sporting events, from softball and baseball championships to sailing and curling competitions.
And each time volunteers were instrumental in each event’s success.
In 1991, countless Islanders, from tip to tip, signed on to help with the winter Canada Games, which, too was held across the Island. The event even drew volunteers from out of province who rearranged their schedules to pitch in.
There’s no doubt from past experience that the organizing committee will have no problem finding 6,000 Islanders eager to help.
And with advances in technology, signing up is easy to do. With the simple click of a mouse, those wishing to help can go to www.canadagames2009.com, sign up and even choose what type of volunteer job they’d like best.
What a great opportunity for Islanders to come together and show their pride in their home and help showcase P.E.I. to the rest of the country.
We may be small in size but we’re big in heart with people always ready to pull together when the need arises.
So, why not give of your time and, as organizers put it, ‘Come Play on Our Team.’

A Personal Best 7.25 Mile Dunk River Run

It was cloudy and no wind and 18 degrees. The 7 miles loop course on Dunk River and hills.

It was three personal bests in the row and I got a ribbon for 3rd in 20-29 age group. I came in 18th out 62 runners and time of 51:14.

Alex Coffin won the race and Jennifer Perry for the top female.

No pictures because mom's camera is broken and she needs a new one. [EDIT: Photo at left thanks to PEI RoadRunners. More here.]

Official Result: 18th out of 62
7.25 Miles (11.667Km) in 51 Minutes, 14 seconds
2007 Dunk River Run
2006 Dunk River Run
2005 Dunk River Run
2004 Dunk River Run

Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance not cure

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=154456&sc=118

Coffin, Perry win divisions In Dunk River Road Race

CENTRAL BEDEQUE
BY JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

CENTRAL BEDEQUE -- Alex Coffin of Saint John, N.B., was the overall winner of the 31st annual Dunk River Road Race on Saturday morning.

Coffin, 39, stopped the clock in 39 minutes and 22 seconds (39:22). Mike MacKinnon of Miscouche finished second overall in 40:34 and Scott Clark of Linkletter was third in 41:57.

Jennifer Perry, 31, of Tignish was the female winner. She completed the 11.6-kilometre (7.22 miles) course in 51:55, 19th overall.

See complete story in Monday’s Journal Pioneer.

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=154706&sc=119
Coffin executes game plan
31st annual dunk river road race Perry top-finishing female

CENTRAL BEDEQUE
JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

Alex Coffin executed his game plan to perfection Saturday morning.

Coffin, who last ran and won the 11.6-kilometre (7.22 miles) Callbeck's Home Hardware Dunk River Road Race about 15 years ago, jumped out to an early lead and never looked back en route to winning the 31st annual run in 39 minutes and 22 seconds (39:22).

"I went out really fast," said Coffin, 39, who resides in Saint John, N.B. "I ran this race a long time ago and I wanted to try and get in under 40 minutes."

Tignish resident Jennifer Perry was the top female runner with a time of 51:55.

"I didn't know the route and I was told about a couple of inclines," said the 31-year-old Perry, who finished 19th overall in the 62-runner field. "Overall, I think it was a great challenge and I really enjoyed it."

Mike MacKinnon of Miscouche finished second overall in 40:34 and Scott Clark of Linkletter was third in 41:57.

"I know a lot of the runners here and I thought if I could get a good lead on them then I could concentrate more on getting the time I wanted," explained Coffin.

It was a family affair for Coffin, whose wife, Connie, finished 28th overall in 53:41. She was the fifth-finishing female.

"The big reason I was here was my wife really wanted to do this run and she grew up in St. Nicholas," said Coffin.

Almost a minute

Perry held a 55-second advantage over Pat Ellis, who finished in 52:50, 24th overall. Jennifer Nickerson was the third-finishing female in 53:22, 25th overall.

Perry said she and two other female runners were together for about the first two miles before she moved into the lead around the three-mile mark.

"I don't like to look behind me so I don't know how long we were all together," she said with a smile.

How did Perry find the course?

"The inclines were nice and spaced out," she answered. "I found criss-crossing over the roads was a bit tricky, but other than that it is a pretty good route."

Good conditions

Coffin and Perry both agreed runners were greeted with favourable conditions.

"There was no wind; it was perfect," said Coffin.

Perry added: "Even a little bit of a drizzle would have been nice. It was really nice weather for running."

jpsports@journalpioneer.com

---

Course records

Dunk River Road Race course records:
Male: Matt Sheffield of Halifax, 37:42, in 2006.
Female: Janice Ashworth of Halifax, 42:57, in 2005.

Summerside man takes break from Appalachian Trail walk

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Summerside man takes break from Appalachian Trail walk

JIM BROWN
The Journal Pioneer

SUMMERSIDE — Alan MacKenzie hasn’t had to worry about poisonous snakes or black bears these past couple of weeks.
But he’ll be encountering these risks again soon.
MacKenzie, 60, has taken a break from walking the world-famous Appalachian Trail — resting his feet in Summerside while visiting friends and family.
But he’s driving back to resume a remarkable odyssey that will take him through 14 American States by the time he’s done.
“It’s hard to put into words the reason why I’m doing it. The trail is a powerful force that goes to work on you.”
So far, so good.
MacKenzie has seen just one bear during the first third of his journey. He also nearly trod upon a venomous copperhead snake, but managed to move it off the trail with a stick.
MacKenzie is about 300 miles behind his travelling companion and friend, Linus Gillis, 59, who also lives in Summerside.
But he’ll catch up in a hurry when he returns. MacKenzie is driving down to join his friend on the trail.
Doing that will allow him to finish weeks earlier in Maine before cold weather, heavy rains and snow strike in the mountains.
“In October the streams rise so high it’s almost impossible to wade across them.”
It’s a grueling six-month journey and MacKenzie plans to complete every last foot of 2,175 mile odyssey, even if he has to double back and complete the southern stretch he bypassed at a later date.
While in Summerside, he hasn’t stopped walking altogether. Every Saturday morning he and members of a Summerside walking club take 10- to 15-kilometre walks in picturesque locales throughout the Island.

Trail blazers
Two Summerside men embrace the challenge of the Appalachian Trail

Confederation Bridge to host 30th annual Terry Fox Run

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=146009&sc=118
Tour of Hope makes special stops

STEPHEN BRUN
The Journal Pioneer

O’LEARY — It’s saying something that Terry Fox’s one-time home away from home found the time to make a stop in rural P.E.I. during a cross-Canada tour.
Darrell Fox brought the refurbished Ford Econoline van that followed his brother during his 1980 Marathon of Hope to O’Leary this week.
It’s part of the cross-country Tour of Hope, which continues Terry Fox’s fundraising efforts for cancer research.
Darrell Fox said O’Leary’s history of supporting the Terry Fox Run — spearheaded by the Ellis family — is what drew the tour there.
“It’s hard to pick and choose when you have an event that happens in virtually every community,” he said.
“We were able to come to O’Leary where it’s a bastion of Terry Fox support.”
O’Leary resident Warren Ellis and his family raised over $38,000 for the Terry Fox Run in 2007 — a figure Ellis hopes to boost to more than $40,000 this year.
Ellis said he was inspired by Fox’s 1980 run and has been fundraising ever since.
“It just brought tears to my eyes when I saw Terry Fox. We participated when the first run was announced and have ever since,” said Ellis. “On the original trip that Terry started, (the van) didn’t come to O’Leary, so we’re very honoured to have it restored and to have it here.
“We’re very impressed.”
Ford of Canada spent over 1,000 labour hours refurbishing the van for it’s trek from St. John’s, N.L. to Victoria, B.C., which ends Sept. 14.
“The run goes beyond the route that Terry took now,” said Fox.
“It will probably still be emotional to see the tour end for sure, especially when you think that what we saw today is going to be repeated many times over until we get to B.C.”
Over 400 people turned out to the O’Leary Scotiabank to see the van and hear from Fox, said bank manager Georgia Ellis, including about 200 from Hernewood school.
Fox said the van generates a lot of interest because of the history associated with it.
“The only way (the tour) would really be complete is if Terry were here, but unfortunately he’s not. So with the van it offers an opportunity to really connect with people I think. This particular vehicle marked every mile that Terry ran. It was there at all times and it was his home away from home.”

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=145818&sc=103

EDITORIALS

A special kind of magic

The sight of the recently renovated Terry Fox van this week in P.E.I. no doubt generated fond memories of the late Canadian hero's passage through the province 28 years ago.

Many Islanders had the privilege of seeing or meeting Fox as he made his way through the province during his Marathon of Hope for cancer research. And like many other Canadians, they honour his dream each fall by holding Terry Fox runs to raise money for cancer research. It's their way of keeping his Marathon of Hope alive.

But recently the Fox family was able to track down the 1980 Ford Econoline that was used as Fox's second home during his Marathon of Hope run. And now, newly renovated, it's making its appearance thanks to Darrell Fox, brother of Terry and national director of the Terry Fox Foundation, who has taken the van on the road.

For those who remember Fox passing through their communities, the presence of the van holds a special magic. For those who don't, it's a powerful symbol that can still be used to keep alive the memory and the dream of a nation's hero.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=145913&sc=98

Confederation Bridge to host 30th annual Terry Fox Run

Transcontinental Media

The Confederation Bridge plans to celebrate the 30th annual Terry Fox Run by inviting everyone to run and walk across the bridge in September, 2010.

This marks the second time the Confederation Bridge has celebrated the Terry Fox Run. In 2005, approximately 14,000 people crossed the 13 kilometre-long bridge for the 25th anniversary of the run. The historic event raised $375,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.

Organizers hope friends and families across Canada will make plans over the next two years to meet on Prince Edward Island and celebrate the run together. The goal is to attract a record number of participants and raise funds for cancer research.

The announcement was made as the original 1980 Ford Econoline van that accompanied Terry Fox on his Marathon of Hope departed Prince Edward Island after a week of fundraising events in the province.

With its whereabouts being unknown for the last 28 years, Darrell Fox, Terry's brother and National Director of The Terry Fox Foundation, followed up on a tip and acquired the van that was Terry's home on the road.

Ford of Canada conducted a full restoration on the interior, exterior and powertrain of the vehicle, with the goal of returning the van to its original 1980 state. Work began this April and took more than 1000 labour hours to complete.

The van is now being driven by Fox family members across the country in a nationwide marathon drive called the Tour of Hope, organized with the support of employees of Scotia McLeod. The van will arrive in Victoria, BC to coincide with the start of this year’s annual Terry Fox Run on Sept. 14.

The Run is a non-competitive event where people get together as individuals, families and groups to raise money in Terry’s name. It is a day of celebrating Terry’s legacy and helping to keep his dream of a cure for cancer alive.

Registration for the Confederation Bridge component of the 2010 Terry Fox Run will take place online. Details will be announced at a later date.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=146047&sc=98
Terry Fox Run will be held on Confederation Bridge in 2010

MIKE CARSON
The Guardian

BORDEN CARLETON — For the second time in five years, the Confederation Bridge will be part of a major fundraising effort to battle cancer.
On Sept. 14, 2010, the Confederation Bridge will be closed to traffic to allow for the 30th annual Terry Fox Run. In 2005, approximately 14,000 people crossed the bridge in the 25th anniversary of the run, raising $375,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.
“We thought that was unbelievably great so we’re going to do it again,” said Confederation Bridge general manager Michel Le Chasseur.
“We’re going to do it on the Terry Fox 30th anniversary in 2010. We’re announcing this today (Friday) because we want to give plenty of time and plenty of notice not only for Islanders but for all Canadians to join in in this great celebration.”
Darrell Fox, Terry’s brother and national director of the Terry Fox Foundation, was among those gathered at Gateway Village for the announcement. On display was the van Terry travelled in during his historic run.
Fox has been travelling the Island and said now it feels hard to leave P.E.I.
“We’re actually not looking forward to crossing the bridge after five wonderful days,” Fox said. “You can talk about how every province has something to offer in terms of beauty but the people really make the Island.”
Fox said in their travels across the Island they are sharing the van as a way to reconnect with the public.
“It’s been amazing to see how everyone has a Terry Fox story whether it’s from seeing or experiencing Terry in 1980 or participating in a Terry Fox run,” he said.
Le Chasseur said in 2005 the bridge was closed to traffic for about four hours and he expects the same to occur in 2010
“I think this formula worked fairly well so we’re not going to tweak with a good formula,” he said. “The only thing is if we had 14,000 people at that time we’re probably going to have a lot more and where it was four hours the last time maybe it will be an hour more. We’ll see as we go along.”
Le Chasseur said anyone wishing to participate needs to pre-register and there will be a specific website set up at the Terry Fox Foundation portal that will soon be announced.