Frasers Mountain local receives Athletics NS award

Athletics Nova Scotia presented the awards at a track and field meet in Halifax, but because MacCallum couldn’t attend, he received his physical award on March 21.

Going into the track meet, the recipients aren’t notified they’ll receive an award, leaving it a surprise for all. Though the organization doesn’t provide a reason why the recipients are chosen, MacCallum and his mom, Wendy, speculated it was likely due to his performance in the 2022 season and the various medals he acquired.

“It feels good,” said MacCallum, while at the Pictou County Wellness Centre for a hockey practice.

The young athlete has been involved with track and field since he was about six or seven. He currently competes in the 600m and 60m races, shot put and long jump.

“He’s dabbling in javelin too,” said Wendy. “He’s getting quite fast. He likes the longer runs, it seems. Not the huge distances, but a bit longer.”

His parents just purchased a new unit for his various trophies and medals, which came in at the perfect time.

“This will definitely be somewhere on that shelf,” said MacCallum’s mother.

The multisport athlete is also part of the U-13 Pictou County Crushers, who just won the AAA U-13 championship in Antigonish on March 19.

“He likes to stay busy,” said Wendy.

The team headed to the Atlantic competition held in Newfoundland on March 29, leaving them just under 10 days to fundraise.

“It’s good, it’s exciting,” said MacCallum.

“They have a good shot of getting the Atlantic’s title,” said Wendy.

The team won 29 games, lost none and tied the first game of the season, showing significant potential for this upcoming competition.

“They’re very excited to be going,” said Wendy.

The team arranged a bottle drive for March 26 while parents worked hard to reach out to local businesses and organizations to inquire about potential sponsorships, helping to support the young players with their travels to Newfoundland.