World athletes may train on the River

Volunteers from the McKenzie Community Track and Field will be busy over this fall and winter sprucing up their facilities for what should be a very busy spring and summer next year. In addition to the regular school-related events, officials hope to attract one of the teams taking part in the World Athletics Championships to use their facility as a practice venue. According to MCTF president Duane Aanestad, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to showcase our amazing track and field and bring world-class athletes to the McKenzie River."

The community track and field, located at the Aaron and Marie Jones Community Field in Blue River, should be a desirable training location featuring a steeplechase course and a planned hammer throw area. A representative from the USA National Team has already made a visit to the track and other teams have been invited to tour the facilities.

The World Games are scheduled to take place at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene from July 15 th to 24th in 2022. This will be the first time the games will be held in the United States.

The World Games will conflict with plans for the Chainsaw Art Festival normally scheduled for July. In light of this conflict, the board of directors voted to postpone next summer's festival until July 2023.

Aanestad said the directors, "Realize the Chainsaw Festival is an event many folks look forward to, however, they are hopeful the community will understand how important having a part in the Track and Field World Athletics Championships will be to our track and community."