As summer draws to a close and children ready for the opening day of school, one may look back at the past few months as the rise and regrowth of local track and field among area athletes. Shannon Gawronski, health and fitness director at the Norwich YMCA, served as primary track and field coach in a voluntary track and field camp open to all area youth the past two months.

Dozens of boys and girls participated, and the interest reached a crescendo last week with a YMCA-sponsored track meet held at the Norwich High School track facility. All participants received T-shirts for participating, and medals were awarded to winners in each event.

“I really think we are seeing a renewed interest in track and field in this area, and I don’t think it’s just because it’s an Olympic year,” Gawronski said. “I want to strongly encourage this trend because in track and field, every child can find an event that’s right for them.”

Gawronski said that participating in track and field is empowering to each individual, who can then control their own success and progress through hard work and desire, rather than hoping a coach will play them in a game.

“We have had such a depth of talent in this area, and I have been fortunate this summer that these great runners have chosen to give back to younger kids,” Gawronski said.