Students from each of Linden Public Schools’ elementary schools competed on May 21 and 22 in the annual Paul Blue Elementary Track and Field Meet, with the top finishers taking home the gold, silver and bronze.
The meet at Tiger Stadium at Cooper Field was organized and overseen by Director of Athletics and Physical Education Steven Viana, physical education teachers from all elementary schools, and Linden High School varsity track and field athletes.
“Our elementary track and field meet is one of the best events we have all year,” Viana said. “It brings students and staff members from all of the schools together in competition, camaraderie and Tiger spirit.
Nobody enjoys it more than our young athletes, from the Olympics-style march onto the field led by our varsity athletes, to showing their school pride as they receive their medals.”
The meet is named for Paul Blue, a beloved physical education teacher who taught and mentored Linden students at various schools from 1958 to 2001.
“Mr. Blue taught generations of our students, and elementary health and phys ed was especially close to his heart,” Viana said. “There is no more perfect person to remember and honor every year at our marquee event.”
Athletes in Grades 3, 4 and 5 competed in sprints, relays, standing long jump, and softball throw.