Fundraising for youth

published by Asianpost on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:56

By Angela Lee

Spartan Julia Daye with her parents

Albanian national track and field champions Besnick and Tatjiana Mece have made Canada their home for the past 15 years. The husband and wife coaching team works with teams from UBC and Douglas College, but have also made time in their busy schedules to do some extra-curricular mentoring.

A year ago, they left the Royal City Track Club in New Westminster to start their own club, called Spartans Track and Field Club. When they left, many of the families moved with them and haven’t looked back.

The team’s 40 athletes, who range in age from eight to 70, come from New Westminster and surrounding areas Delta, Burnaby and Surrey for practices. The team has won numerous medals in its short life, even a rumoured 47 medals at one recent tournament in Coquitlam.

“It’s a neat thing to see,” says manager Terry Daye, whose daughter Julia is a member of the team. “It’s such a melting pot [of cultures], and all of them cheer each other on. The parents even mix well together!”

Parents and volunteers are now holding a fundraising dinner at the Dhaliwal Banquet Hall & Restaurant Wed evening. The program will feature a dinner and silent auction. Wed Dec 12 6-11pm. Tix $25/12 (Kids 8 & under, free).

Dhaliwal Banquet Hall & Restaurant (#230-8166 128th St, Surrey). Info: Besnick at 604-522-1922 or Terry at 604-523-1777.