Polk County High School will hold its annual Reindeer Games again to raise awareness and help for the needy on Monday, Dec. 19.
This is an event sponsored by the PCHS cross country and track and field teams. The event will include several new relays this year, but will no longer include the 3,200-meter run.
Qualifying times, heights and distances will count for state qualifying; however, some added events are not normal contests at indoor meets. The event will have the 4 x 200, the field event 4 x 100 and the shot put relay as well as others. But to add to the festivities, relays will 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.  An entry fee of one can of food per athlete (or $2) will be collected. Spectators will also be charged one can of food for admission or $5. The food will be donated to the Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. In past years, the Reindeer Games have collected between 800 and 1000 cans for distribution to the needy.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to wear something to celebrate the season, such as antlers, a Santa hat or elf attire.
For more information, contact Alan Peoples at 828-817-1594, fax me at 828-894-2093, or email at apeoples@polkschools.org, or silverfishltd@windstream.net.
– article submitted by Alan Peoples