Some six hundred elementary school children of all ages and sizes from Winter Park Consortium Schools participated in the Third Annual Fast Start Invitational Track and Field Event at Showalter Field on January 26.

Despite the sporadic rain showers, the event drew 50 to 60 more students than last year. And event organizer Scott Millson estimated that if the weather had been better, the total would have been closer to 650 to 700.

Free to all participating students, the Fast Start Invitational had a variety of track events including the 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter and 800 meter races and the 4x100 relay, and 4x400 relays. The field events included the shot put and long jump.

The event, launched by Millson to promote a love of running and a healthy lifestyle for the children of the community, involved a lot of support from the schools and the community. Healthy School Team leaders promoted the event at schools and parents helped staff activities the day of the event.

Gerald Sutton, WPHF Trustee, provided a trustee discretionary grant to support the activities and participated as a volunteer throughout the day.

“All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better result,” said Millson.  “Kids smiling and learning to love fitness!  It doesn't get much better than that!”