BC/Yukon Ladies' Auxiliary Announces Torch Bearer for 2013 Legion Championships

LANGLEY, BC August 3, 2013 – Marie-Josée Le Jour is travelling from Ontario as one of the volunteer Coaches for the 2013 Legion National Youth Track & Field Championships being held August 9, 10, 11 at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley, BC.  Ms. Le Jour is also an Alumna of the Championships dating back to 1994 and will be one of this year’s Torch Bearers.

Ms. Le Jour credits the Legion Championships as being a “life turning point”. “Thanks to the Legion, I found a passion for track and field. Through this passion, I travelled the world, I met amazing people, and I had incredible experiences. I even earned an athletic scholarship in the NCAA, which allowed me to get a Bachelor’s degree and two Masters for free. Most importantly though, I learned the value of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and commitment.”

In 1993, a Quebec Coach sent Ms. Le Jour a pamphlet about the Legion Championships.  She decided to give it a try even though soccer, gymnastics, and badminton were her sports of choice.  In 1994, 1995, and 1996, she qualified for the Quebec Team and became a track and field rising star. “If it hadn’t been for the opportunities given to me by the Legion, I am convinced my life would have turned out very differently. Athletics has played a crucial role in all aspects of my life. I am very grateful to the Legion for giving me my first taste of national competition and for giving the same opportunities to some of the athletes I coach, almost 20 years later.” commented Ms. Le Jour.    

1. Legion National Champion in the discus in 1994 (U16) and 1996 (U18). Two-time NACAC medalist for Canada in the discus and shot put. Canadian Senior National Champion in the discus in 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2009 and 14-time national medalist in the discus and shot put from 2000 to 2013. NCAA All-American and Academic All-America First Team at the University of Arkansas.

2. Ms. Le Jour is still competing at the elite level and will be representing Canada at the Jeux de la Francophonie in Nice, France this upcoming September. She is also actively involved in coaching the throwing events for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and the University of Toronto Track Club. Two of her pupils (Cyerra Cassell and John Reston) will be competing in their first Legion Championships in Langley.  

 
 
 
For further information please contact Sharel Fraser at 604.899.1585 or Bruce Poulin at Dominion Command, The Royal Canadian Legion at (613) 591-3335 ext. 241 or by cell at (613) 292-8760 or bruce.poulin@legion.ca .

Find out more information about the Championships at YO.ca