Board—what board?  Do you mean the take-off board for the triple jump?  How about the long jump board?  Well, then – the board where they post all of our results?  No, we’re talking about your friendly Board of Directors – the group of people that helps make everything happen in your club, and more importantly, that shapes the future of the Ottawa Lions.

Who are we?  Technically speaking, the Board is  a group of individuals comprising a President, Treasurer, Secretary, Coaches’ Representative, an Athletes’ Representative (currently vacant) and a few “Directors at Large”.  The Board oversees, and at times provides direction to the paid Staff. Practically speaking, we’re a bunch of concerned volunteers who meet about once a month to discuss how things are going in the club and how to address any issues or concerns. 

What do we mean by issues or concerns?  Well, several years ago, the Club’s biggest concern was that we didn’t have a suitable indoor training facility.  Thanks to long, arduous efforts by the Lions’ Board of Directors, you now enjoy training and competing in one of the best indoor tracks anywhere.  More recently, the Board leapt into action when it learned that the City of Ottawa’s budget was not providing any funds to replace our dilapidated track. After being awarded the National Legion Youth Championships (for the next two summers), we secured grants from all three levels of government to a little more than $1,900,000 of the $2.3M project to replace the track and lighting.  Thanks to the Board, you’ll be running, hurdling, jumping and throwing on a brand new Beijing Mondo surface next summer.

The Board also takes care of “routine” stuff like hiring new staff to accommodate the club’s growing numbers, and ensuring that your membership fees are kept as low as possible (in other words, keeping fees to a minimum while ensuring that our operating expenses are covered without going into a deficit – the golden rule of any non-profit entity such as the Lions).

How can you help?  Well, the Board is always looking for new members.  We are especially in need of an Athletes’ Representative – if you think you may be interested, let your coach know (or anyone on staff or on the Board).

How else can you help?  Spread the word about the best track & field club in Canada!  This will help attract new members as well as mobilizing a larger fund generating force for the $383,000 we need to raise for our new track.

The Board encourages you to get involved and help support the long term growth of our club. To our young Lions - train hard, train smart, and remember to thank your coaches and your parents!

Per intentio Leones praestamant
(Latin for “Through effort, Lions attain excellence”)