Polk County High School is continuing to celebrate the holiday season with healthy competition, humor and a focus on those who are less fortunate. The school will host the Reindeer Games to raise awareness and help the needy. The purpose of the games is to help provide food for those who need it over the holiday season and to give our athletes an interesting night of competition to help them achieve their athletic goals. This meet will be held at PCHS on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m.

Times, heights and distances will count for state qualifying, but some added events are not ones normally contested at indoor meets. There will be a Throwers 4 x 100 Relay and both long jump and shot put will be contested as relays where the score will be based on the three best efforts of each team to be added together for a combined distance.

An entry fee of either one canned food item or $2 will be collected per athlete. Spectators will be charged either one canned food item or $5 per person. The food will be donated to the Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry.

At the last Reindeer Games over 1,500 cans were collected for distribution to those in need of assistance.  The school that provides the most cans will be recognized with a special award. So far Polk County High School is undefeated in the can drive competition.

Field events begin at 4 p.m. followed by a 4×800 meter relay at 4:15 p.m.

There will be a rolling schedule after the 4×800 race as follows:

55 Meter Hurdles

55 Meter

4×200 Relay

1600 Meter

4×100 Relay (Throwers Only)

500 Meter

1000 Meter

300 Meter

3200 Meter

4×400 Relay

The meet should conclude by 7:30 p.m. Athletes, coaches and spectators are encouraged to dress in your favorite holiday attire and join student athletes for an exciting night at the Reindeer Games.

-Article submitted by Jenny Wolfe