“I am pleased to officially recognize June 2 to 9, 2012, as School Sports Week in Prince Edward Island to help celebrate this important 50th anniversary milestone,” said Minister McIsaac. “The PEI School Athletic Association provides exciting opportunities for students to participate in organized sports. This experience develops character and community leadership skills. Physical activity and participation in sports also leads to a well-rounded education and helps students prepare for the classroom and future career opportunities.”

The PEI School Athletic Association is hosting the annual Track and Field Championships on Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2, 2012, at the Alumni Canada Games Place at the University of Prince Edward Island. This is one of several championship events that are highlighting 50 Years of Excellence for the PEI School Athletic Association.

The organization was first established in 1961 to be the governing body for all school sports in the province. The first executive consisted of Charles Ballem, A.J. MacAdam, Rev. Francis Cameron, Bob Mills, Reg Pendergast, Don LeClair and Dave Boswell. In 1972, the name was changed to the PEI Physical Education Association Interscholastic Committee and it was modified in 1974 to become the PEI School Athletic Association as it assumed the role of administering school sport.

The PEISAA is an alliance of the member schools across the province, the school boards and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. It promotes competition in amateur athletics among all member schools in the province in harmony with the goals of the Island’s education system. The PEISAA offers equal opportunities by standardizing rules of eligibility for individuals and classifying the school in the province for competition purposes. More than 10,000 student athletes participate in interscholastic competition for 65 member schools in various ages categories.

“Encouraging participation and developing relationship building skills are cornerstones of the organization as this adds to the overall school experience,” said Seana Evans-Renaud, chair of the PEI School Athletic Association. “The association would not exist without the dedication of athletic directors and physical education teachers in every school. Our goal is to provide students with a complete, well-rounded educational experience. Everyone involved is very committed to promoting a core philosophy of education through school sport.”

As the school year comes to a close, the PEI School Athletic Association will host its 50th annual meeting on Thursday, June 14, 2012.

For more information on the PEI School Athletic Association, visit the website at www.peisaa.pe.ca