Businesses came together recently for a project that will assist athletes at the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS).
A shot put area has been constructed at the Panteluk Athletic Field – the track and field facility south of the school that also includes the Chamney Running Track. Apollo Electric and Estevan Meter supplied the labour, equipment and materials for the shot put site, which includes a concrete slab where the athletes will toss from, and a 20-metre long sand strip where the spherical ball will land.
Trevor Dutka with Apollo Electric estimates the total value of the support is between $4,000 and $5,000.
Caitlin Giesbrecht, the head coach of the track and field team at ECS, said the shot put area will be a big boost for athletics at the school. It represents the finishing touches for the Panteluk Athletic Field, which is a major legacy from the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan.
“This was something that we had hoped for in the beginning stages of the redo, and it wasn’t possible at the time. Now that we have this sand surface, this puts our throws facilities at the same level as the provincial facilities and the national facilities that host national events.”
All track and field events now have the proper facilities, whether it be for throwing, jumping or running.
Before the shot put facility was built, they had to throw into the grass, which wasn’t the best option. If a track and field meet occurs on a rainy day, the ball can damage the ground, and they don’t get good measurements for shot puts.
“Having this sand surface means that we can maintain it, we can smooth it out, and we can get absolutely accurate and fair measurements for all throwers,” she said.
They also have the ability to mark their out of bounds lines.
The provincial record is more than 15 metres, set more than a decade ago, and the size of the landing area is more than enough for high school competitors.
Dutka said Apollo approached Estevan Meter, which is a company they work with regularly, and the two companies came together because they want to help the community as much as possible.
He noted the Comp. has had some athletes earn scholarships to universities, so it’s important to provide them with the best facility possible, especially when these athletes are going on to the next level.
“We want to help out the school. During these hard times, it’s nice that we can still do these kinds of things, especially for things outside, because right now, that’s what’s opening up is everything outside,” said Dutka.
Dutka looks forward to seeing kids practise at the facility.
Midwest Surveys provided the surveying and F&L Concrete supplied the sand for the site.
