Kraft Heinz Project Play builds a better future for Canada by building better places to play in communities all across the country. The grand prize winner of this contest will receive $250,000 for their recreational facility upgrade, and the three secondary prize winners will each receive $20,000 towards their recreational facility upgrade.

The final four finalists have been named, and among them is Pearlgate Track & Field Club in Mt. Pearl. The other 3 finalists are Chase & District Skate Park in Chase (BC), Jaffray Melick Ball Fields in Kenora (Ontario), and Nakkertok Nordique, a ski club in Cantley (Quebec).

Canadians can vote for the Grand Prize winner at KraftHeinzProjectPlay.com starting at 12:00 p.m. ET on July 25th until 11:59 p.m. ET on July 26th.

About Pearlgate Track & Field Club

“Mount Pearl and Pearlgate have kept the sport of track and field alive and well in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador for the last 20 years. The club, which is comprised of only a couple volunteer coaches and approximately 40 members is one of only 2 facilities in the province for athletics.”

“With average wind speeds around 25-30 km/hr and cool temperatures through the entire summer, athletes young and old brave the elements for the love of the sport. We hold about 10 track meets every summer: rain, snow, or sunshine, and we continue to develop nationally ranked athletes year after year.”

“With NL having the highest rate of obesity and heart disease in the country, the track club is a beacon of active lifestyle for young members of the community, introducing them to the foundations of healthy living and healthy competition.”

What Would the $250,000 Be Used For?

The track is losing its traction and is dangerous in wet weather. Some of the money would go to resurfacing the track. Money would also be spent to help shield the track from wind, by adding trees and fences along the track.

“Another issue is the lack of steeple chase barriers for female athletes. As this is a gender equity issue, we would certainly purchase adjustable standards. If there was any money remaining, the club would like to add an extra room to have a gym for winter training.”

“Upgrading the facility would allow it to be a place not only for our athletes to have more effective training but we could invite other clubs across Atlantic Canada to compete against us. Our biggest cost as a team from an island is travel. Having a state of the art track would allow us to invite others here to get top level competition.”