This year at Polk County High the track and field team plans to support the nation in its hour of need, according to the high schools track coach Alan Peoples.

Many people are no longer employed, and they are in financial straits, says Peoples. We have decided to hold the Reindeer Games to raise both awareness and help the needy.

These events will be run along with the regular events at the Polk County track teams Polar Bear Meet on Wednesday, December 16.

The team plans to&bsp; add a couple of relays that are different from its regular events, and Peoples says the team is considering dropping the 3200 meter run, depending on interest from other teams.

Qualifying times, heights, and distances will count for state qualifying. However, some added events are not ones that we normally contest at indoor meets, says Peoples.

Possible events for the Reindeer Games are the 4 x 200, the field event 4 x 100, and the shot put relay.

We may invent others, says Peoples. These relays would be run with large candy canes rather than relay batons.

The purpose of the Reindeer Games is to help provide food for the needy over the holiday season.&bsp; An entry fee of 1 can of food per athlete (or $2) will be collected. &bsp;

Spectators will also be charged 1 can of food for admission or $5. The food will be turned over to the Thermal Belt Outreach for distribution to the needy.

Coach Peoples has invited other teams to join the Reindeer Games, asking them to wear something that celebrates the season.

The uniform rule will be somewhat relaxed. Wear antlers, a Santa hat, be an elf or be more creative, said Peoples. Just do not wear anything that could cause an injury or interference.