About the only thing shining brighter than the hot mid-morning sun were the beaming faces of the athletes completing the Parade of Champions lap, which kicked off the seventh annual Practical Academic Life Skills (PALS) Track and Field Meet hosted at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (HHSS) on Tuesday, June 5.

There were more than 100 athletes from nine area schools who participated in the annual event, giving PALS students an opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities and their perseverance. The event included such events as the obstacle course, 50 metre dash, 200 metre dash, high jump and long jump to name a few. All participants earned ribbons for competing and enjoyed a barbecue lunch.

Teachers, education assistants, parents and HHSS volunteers facilitated the event.

- by Darren Lum