TRACK AND FIELD QUALIFIER PLANNED FOR JACKSON

JACKSON -- The Southeast Regional Qualifier for the Show-Me State Games Track & Field Championships will be held June 17 at the Jackson Junior High School track.

The new event for girls and boys ages 14 and younger is one of a number of activities planned in the city's Youth Summer Program.

The summer program will offer sanction leagues for Junior Legion baseball, Legion baseball, Boys Youth baseball, Youth Soccer, Girls Youth Softball, Adult Men's Softball and Adult Women's Softball.

Youth summer recreation classes will be offered.

-- Arts Adventure & Crafts Creation for ages 6-9 and 10-13 beginning July 18.

-- Explore Your World (astronomy, basic physics, world culture and ecology) for ages 6-9 and 10-13 beginning July 17.

-- Just Fun (songs and dramatic play activities) for ages 3-5 beginning June 13. A second session begins July 11.

-- Summer Reading Program for ages 5-8 beginning June 7.

-- Fish & Wish (learning to bait and tie hooks and develop casting skills) for ages 5-12 beginning June 8.

-- Youth Lifetime Sports (bowling, golf, running and tennis) for ages 18 and younger. Tennis starts in June, bowling and golf in July. Running began in April.

-- Swimming lessons begin Saturday.

Special events include the Jackson Tennis Action Tournament June 17-18, the July 4 Celebration, and Homecomers 5-K and Children's 1-mile run Aug. 22.

Events in the regional qualifying track and field meet June 17 will include 100 meter, 220 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter 1,500 meter, 5,000 meter, short hurdles, long hurdles, high jump, long jump, shot put, 4-by-100 meter relay and 4-by-400 meter relay.

Awards will be given to places 1 through 6. Qualifiers will compete in the state meet in Columbia.

The entry deadline is June 10.

Phone the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department at 243-3568 for more information about the track and field meet or the summer programs.