Well-known local community supporter Ethel Williams gifted a donation for the Stettler Community Recreation Track resurfacing to celebrate her 99th birthday.
Her $500 contribution will go directly to supporting the project, ensuring community members and students continue to enjoy this great feature in our communities, noted a release.
A former track star herself, Williams proudly shared with Board Chair Greg Hayden her provincial championship ribbons and certificates from 1937 (along with the track shoes) when she won the 50 and 100 yard sprints and placed in high jump and long jump events.
Williams was selected to train with the Canadian British Commonwealth Games track team in 1939 when war broke out and caused the games to be canceled.
“Clearview, the Town of Stettler, and the County of Stettler congratulate Ethel on her milestone birthday and thank Ethel and her late husband, Lloyd, for their considerable support for many major projects in our community,” said Hayden.
As the resurfacing project is being done during the summer and fall, any groups, individuals, or companies interested in helping to support this initiative and helping to create a lasting benefit for the local community can contact Peter Neale (associate superintendent, Clearview) at 403-742-3331 or by email at pneale@clearview.ab.ca.
Any financial help is appreciated, and charitable donation receipts are available for donations at or over $25.
Corporate or service group sponsorship opportunities are available and will be considered on an individual basis (see http://bit.ly/CSDTrack for sponsorship opportunities).
The total project to renew the community track is projected to be $425,000, with a combined current financial commitment by the three local governments and service clubs so far of $370,000.
Members of the organizing committee are reaching out to local communities, businesses and service groups for help to generate the remaining supports needed.
Donations like this bring organizers one step closer to reaching the financial goal.
The running track in Stettler is a legacy from the 1991 Alberta Summer Games.
Originally expected to last 15 years, the current age of the track is approximately double the life it was expected to have.
Due to the current condition of the track surface, the rubberized material has deteriorated significantly and is unlikely to withstand another year.
Without the collaboration and financial support of the three local governments, Stettler would have experienced a loss of the rubber surface on the track and a loss of the ability for the community and students to enjoy an excellent community asset.
With a renewed track surface, Stettler will be able to once again host track and field tournaments, including the opportunity to bring in people that may be interested in living in Stettler and the great surrounding communities.
All members of the local communities (and students) will be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle on a high-quality rubberized running and walking surface for over the next 20 years, if not longer.
-Submitted