Jessica Dempsey
The East Kootenay Track and Field Club will have an open information session on Feb. 5 to find out its future.
The information session will include background on becoming on a new member or joining the board.
Kimberley resident Steven Royer is interested in taking over as head coach and president of the club.
“The old board will decide if the track and field club will continue —the non-profit organization. So that’s a priority. It’s important that lots of new faces show up at this meeting,” said Royer. “It’s really good to have lots of new faces to make sure there are spaces available for new people.”
The meeting is important to get done as soon as possible because, at the annual general meeting in December, the club didn’t have anyone to take on the head coach role.
“Now that there is somebody to take on as the head coach, we just have to put all the pieces together,” said Royer.
When inquiring about the role, Royer set out conditions if he was going to take over as head coach, those include parents being involved and having a full board. He has found board members, but they are all from Kimberley.
“My other condition that I put on is that I coach Kimberley and Cranbrook, not just one city. I’d like to coach both communities and anybody else in the East Kootenay is fine. Anybody wants to join they are welcome to it,” he said.
However, Royer is hoping there will be interest from residents in Cranbrook to help make up the remaining board.
“There is interest for board members from Cranbrook, and that’s perfect. If we can split it 50/50 that would be absolutely awesome. It would make it a nice even community at large and working together as a team,” he said stressing he doesn’t want it to be all Kimberley members.
“I want it to be Cranbrook and Kimberley — that’s what it is all about,” said Royer.
The track and field club has been looking for new board members for a couple of months now and has previously said they would not be able to operate if a head coach and board could not be found.
Royer has offered to step in and fill the void.
His goal is to have 25 athletes the first year that he takes the reins.
“What I want to bring to the club is new energy. I really want to coach kids and make a difference in their lives. I did it for 17 years before and I just really enjoy doing it. I’m there for the kids, not there for me. If they want me to coach them at any level I’m there for them —100 per cent,” said Royer.
One aspect Royer is concerned about is BC Athletics has not given him an answer about grandfathering his National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).
“Even if I don’t hear back from them I’m still going full steam ahead. I’m not too worried about it,” he said.
The meeting will take place Feb. 5 at Gordon Terrace Elementary School library at 6 p.m.
For more information about the meeting or the club, Royer says people can call him at 250-898-4172 or visit the Facebook page EKTFC Track Field Club.
jessica.dempsey@cranbrooktownsman.com
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