(Ottawa, Canada---29 June 2022) Marta Pirres Fereira competing in Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet 6 of the 2022 track and field season. Copyright 2022 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images

Lions Mourn the Passing of Masters Athlete and Coach Marta Piresferreira

by ClublinkinbioMasters

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime athlete, coach, and friend Marta Piresferreira.

Marta passed away at the age of 81 following a brief battle with cancer, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as both an athlete and coach. Originally from Brazil, she represented Canada on multiple occasions at the World Masters Athletics Championships, highlighted by a bronze medal performance at the 1991 Championships in Turku, Finland.

Over the course of her distinguished masters career, Marta captured numerous national titles and championship medals in the sprint events, earning the respect of competitors across the country. Her passion for athletics, however, extended far beyond her own performances.

For many years, Marta was a driving force behind the Ottawa Lions masters program, serving as a coach, mentor, and source of encouragement for athletes of all abilities. She welcomed newcomers, celebrated the successes of others, and helped foster the supportive community that remains a hallmark of the club’s masters program today. Her enthusiasm, kindness, and dedication left a lasting impression on countless athletes.

On behalf of the entire Ottawa Lions family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Marta’s family, friends, training partners, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A funeral Mass for Marta will be held on June 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection of Our Lord Church, 1940 Saunderson Drive, followed by a reception in the church hall.

In recognition of her lasting contributions to the club and the local athletics community, a tree will be planted in Marta’s memory at Mooney’s Bay Park near the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. 

We are grateful for the years Marta devoted to our sport and our club. Her legacy will continue to live on through the athletes she inspired, coached, and befriended.

Rest in peace, Marta.

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Ottawa Lions to Hold Special Meeting on May 25

by Club

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club will hold a special meeting on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. (ET), conducted virtually via Google Meet.

The purpose of the meeting is to review and approve the club’s financial statements from the 2024-2025 fiscal year and to vote on the appointment of new members to the Board of Directors.

Further details, including the financial documents and a list of proposed board nominees, will be shared with members in advance of the meeting.

Members wishing to attend can join using the following link.

All members are encouraged to attend and participate in the governance of the club.

(Ottawa, Canada---02 August 2025) /Volunteer/ competes on Day 4 of the Canadian Track and Field Championships presented by Bell at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Volunteer Recruitment Underway for 2026 Canadian Track and Field Championships in Ottawa

by ClublinkinbioNational

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is calling on the community to be part of one of Canada’s premier sporting events, as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Canadian Track and Field Championships, set to take place June 17–21 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility.

Organizers are seeking volunteers to help deliver the national championship event, which will bring together the country’s top athletes competing for national titles and international team selection.

Volunteers will play a critical role across a wide range of areas, including event operations, athlete services, and spectator support. Opportunities are available for individuals of all experience levels, with flexible shifts throughout the five-day competition.

“Hosting a national championship takes a full team effort,” said Ryan Rowat, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee. “Our volunteers are at the heart of the event — creating a welcoming environment for athletes and helping ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.”

The championships are expected to draw nearly 2,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from across the country, along with spectators and supporters, making it one of the largest track and field events hosted in Ottawa.

Volunteers will gain behind-the-scenes experience at a high-performance sporting event while playing an active role in delivering one of Canada’s premier track and field competitions.

Those interested in volunteering can register online at: Volunteer Sign Up

(Ottawa, Canada---11 July 2025) Rose Basu competes in Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet #6 & CTFL Final at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Kramo, Basu Lead Record-Breaking Night for Lions at SLU Twilight Invite

by ClublinkinbioUniversity

CANTON, N.Y. — Ange-Mathis Kramo and Rose Basu delivered record-breaking performances to lead the Ottawa Lions at Friday night’s SLU Twilight Invite, highlighting a strong showing at the Merrick-Pinkard Track & Field Complex.

Kramo produced the performance of the meet in the men’s 100 metres, surging to a personal best of 10.57 seconds to win in a photo finish over Plattsburgh State’s Charles Cypress. The time shaved 0.14 seconds off his previous best and broke the meet record set just one year ago.

The 17-year-old had already shown his form earlier in the evening, running 10.84 in the heats before delivering his breakthrough in the final. Kramo was unable to finish the 200 metres after pulling up with a minor hamstring strain.

On the women’s side, Basu matched the record-breaking theme with a dominant sprint double. The 20-year-old captured the 100 metres in 12.12, edging St. Lawrence’s Ella Baker by 0.01 seconds while lowering the meet record of 12.28 set by former Lion Tori McIntyre in 2023.

Basu had equaled the previous standard earlier in the heats before returning to claim the title, then added a convincing victory in the 200 metres, clocking 25.66 to win by more than a second and a half.

Sharelle Samuel added a third meet record on the night in her debut over 800 metres. Taking control from the gun, Samuel pulled away from the field to win in 2:19.05, more than two seconds inside the previous meet mark, and crossed the line over 14 seconds clear of her nearest competitor.

In the women’s 3000-metre steeplechase, Tessa Knight placed second in 11:44.99, a performance that moves her to fifth all-time on the club’s U20 list.

The Lions also showed depth in the sprint events, with James Compeau and William Harris finishing second and third in the men’s 200 metres in 22.69 and 23.10, respectively, while battling strong headwinds.

In the distance events, André Alie-Lamarche (4:13.94) and Saul Taler (4:14.15) placed fourth and fifth in a competitive elite mile section.

Also on Friday, Emily Brennan set a personal best of 25.27 in the 200 metres at the Denison Big Red Invitational in Ohio before helping Denison University lower its school record in the 4×100 relay for the second time in recent weeks.

At the Clark Wood Invitational in Louisville, Ky., Grace Streek made a strong debut over the 3000-metre steeplechase, running 10:54.94 to move to No. 3 all-time on the club’s U20 list.

On the roads, Joshua Cassidy bookended a busy week with a pair of performances on the international stage, finishing 15th at Monday’s Boston Marathon in 1:32:37 before placing 13th at the London Marathon in 1:37:02 this morning.

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Oppong-Nketiah, Alexis Honoured by Athletics Canada for 2025 Seasons

by ClublinkinbioMastersNational

OTTAWA — Ottawa Lions athletes Jorai Oppong-Nketiah and Wendy Alexis were recognized this week by Athletics Canada for their performances during the 2025 season.

Oppong-Nketiah was named the recipient of the Myrtle Cook Trophy for the second consecutive year, awarded to Canada’s top U18 female athlete. Alexis earned the Earl Fee Track Athlete of the Year (Masters) honour for the first time in her career following a record-setting campaign.

Oppong-Nketiah’s season was highlighted by her performance at the Canadian Track and Field Championships, where she captured gold in both the 100 and 200 metres to complete the U20 sprint double. Posting times of 11.44 in the 100m and 23.54 in the 200m, Jorai ranked among the top U18 performers globally in 2025.

The 100-metre victory marked her second consecutive national U20 title in the event, placing her within one of the Canadian record for most consecutive wins. Still in the early stages of her career, Oppong-Nketiah continued to establish herself as one of Canada’s top sprint prospects.

Alexis, competing in the W70 category, delivered one of the most outstanding seasons in Canadian masters athletics history. She lowered the W70 world record in the 100 metres three times during the outdoor season, including a mark of 14.54 seconds at the Canadian Track and Field League Final in Ottawa.

Her success began during the indoor season, where she won a title over 60 metres and set a W70 world indoor record in the 200 metres. Alexis also contributed to a world-record performance as part of Canada’s 4×200-metre relay team at last year’s World Indoor Championships.

(Ottawa, Canada---03 August 2025) David Moulongou competes on Day 5 of the Canadian Track and Field Championships presented by Bell at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Gale, Moulongou Strike Gold as Lions Post Strong Early-Season Results Across North America

by ClublinkinbioUniversity

OTTAWA — Lauren Gale and David Moulongou led a series of standout performances for the Ottawa Lions this weekend, each capturing victories in the 400 metres while teammates delivered personal bests and strong performances across multiple meets in the United States.

Competing at the Hurricane Alumni Invitational in Coral Gables, Florida, Gale delivered a commanding double, winning both the 200 and 400 metres. The Olympic veteran clocked a nation leading 51.24 over 400 metres – the sixth fastest performance of her career. The Colorado State graduate followed it up with a 23.23 second effort over 200 metres (+1.4 m/s) for the second fastest time in Canada this early season..

Moulongou matched Gale’s success on the men’s side, taking top spot in the 400 metres in 47.61. The performance marked the second-fastest time of his career, finishing just 0.03 seconds shy of his personal best set earlier this year during the indoor season at Boston University.

Across the continent in California, Zachary Jeggo opened his outdoor campaign with a strong showing at the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational. The Simon Fraser freshman placed third in the 400 metres in 47.13, the fastest season opener of his young career as he continues to build on a breakthrough indoor season. Jeggo is currently ranked 23rd in the early season NCAA Division II rankings.

Distance runner Grace Streek also delivered a milestone performance at the We Fly Challenge in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Miami University athlete finished 10th in the women’s 1500 metres in 4:39.37, shaving more than a second off her previous lifetime best set at the 2024 OFSAA East Regionals.

In hurdle events, a pair of Lions athletes turned in personal-best performances. Nathaniel McNeil clocked 57.39 in the men’s 400-metre hurdles at the TWU Open in Langley, B.C., while Emily Brennan ran 1:02.40 to set a new lifetime best at the Fast Break Athletics Invitational in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Brennan’s weekend extended beyond the individual event, as she played a key role in Denison University’s relay success — helping set a school record in the 4×100 metres while also contributing to a victory in the 4×400.

call_for_volunteers

Call for Local Organizing Committee Leads – 2026 Canadian Track & Field Championships

by Clublinkinbio

Subject: Call for Local Organizing Committee Leads – 2026 Canadian Track & Field Championships

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club will host the 2026 Canadian Track & Field Championships in Ottawa from June 17–21, 2026. This marks the sixth national championship hosted by the club in the past decade, following successful events in 2017 and 2018 (Track & Field), 2021–2023 (Cross Country), and 2025 (Track & Field).

As planning for the 2026 event continues, we are seeking individuals to fill several leadership positions on the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). These roles form part of the senior volunteer team responsible for delivering the championship.

LOC members oversee key operational areas of the event and work collaboratively with Athletics Canada, officials, and the host club to coordinate all aspects of event delivery. The committee meets monthly in the lead up to the Championship, with meeting frequency increasing as the championship approaches.

We are currently recruiting leaders for the following areas:

  • Officials Coordinator
  • Medical Lead
  • Security Lead
  • Transportation Lead
  • Ticketing Lead

Each role will oversee a functional area of the event and coordinate volunteer teams during championship week (June 17–21).

Individuals with experience in event operations, sport administration, logistics, or volunteer management are encouraged to express interest.

If you are interested in serving on the Local Organizing Committee, please contact:

[email protected]

(Ottawa, Canada---12 June 2024) Youth Program athletes competing at Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet #2 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan Rowat / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Registration Now Open for 2026 Ottawa Lions Summer Camps

by Clublinkinbio

The Ottawa Lions are excited to announce that registration is now officially open for our 2026 Summer Camps at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility.

Recognized as Canada’s #1 Track and Field Development Program, the Ottawa Lions Summer Camps provide youth aged 7–14 with a fun, safe and high-energy introduction to track and field – all led by passionate, certified provincial and national-calibre athletes and coaches.

With a maximum 1:10 coach-to-camper ratio, each participant receives meaningful instruction and personal attention while learning the fundamentals of sprinting, jumping, throwing and middle distance running.

A Premier Setting

Camps are held at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, home to a world-class 400m Mondo track that regularly hosts provincial and national championships. Located beside Mooney’s Bay and Canada’s largest playground, the setting provides the perfect mix of sport and summer fun.

Program Structure

Morning Sessions

Campers focus on track and field development, following a similar format to our popular Run, Jump, Throw programs. Athletes are introduced to all event groups throughout the week and wrap up with a friendly Friday competition to showcase their progress.

Afternoon Sessions (Full Day Campers)

Afternoons feature classic summer camp activities, including team sports, arts and crafts, hiking, beach time and swimming at Mooney’s Bay.

2026 Camp Dates

Eight weeks of camp are available:

  • Week 1: June 29 – July 3*
  • Week 2: July 6 – 10
  • Week 3: July 13 – 17
  • Week 4: July 20 – 24
  • Week 5: July 27 – 31
  • Week 6: August 4 – 7*
  • Week 7: August 10 – 14
  • Week 8: August 17 – 21

*No camp July 1 or August 3. Special pricing applies for shortened weeks  .

Camp Options & Pricing

Ages 7–11

  • Half Day: $204.50 (1 week) | $368.10 (2 weeks)
  • Full Day: $370.00 (1 week) | $666.00 (2 weeks)

Ages 12–14

  • Half Day: $220.00 (1 week) | $396.00 (2 weeks)
  • Full Day: $417.00 (1 week) | $750.60 (2 weeks)

Additional Discounts

  • 40% additional discount when registering for a third week (or more)
  • 50% additional discount for third (or more) sibling
  • Team/group discounts available (5+ athletes)  

Daily Schedule

  • Drop-off: 8:00–8:45 a.m.
  • Camp begins: 9:00 a.m.
  • Half-day dismissal: 12:00 p.m.
  • Full-day dismissal: 4:00 p.m.  

Whether your child is trying track and field for the first time or looking to sharpen their skills in a supportive environment, the Ottawa Lions Summer Camps offer an unforgettable summer experience.

🔗 Register Today

Spots fill quickly each year. Families are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred week.

For more information, visit www.ottawalions.com or contact us at (613) 247-4886 or [email protected].

(Ottawa, Canada---19 June 2024) Liz Maguire competing at Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet #3 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan Rowat / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Maguire Sets Canadian Record as Lions Deliver Record-Breaking Weekend

by ClubInternationallinkinbioMastersUniversity

While the spotlight shone brightly on Boston last weekend, Ottawa Lions athletes were also turning heads across North America and France. The weekend haul included a Canadian masters record, a world-class 800-metre performance, and several marks that reshaped the club’s all-time rankings.

In Toronto, Liz Maguire delivered a historic performance at the AO Winter Mini Meet, breaking the Canadian W55 indoor record in the 5000 metres. Maguire, who placed second in the all-comers race, crossed the line in 19:40.57, lowering the previous national record set in 2024 by nearly 100 seconds. The mark is Maguire’s third Canadian masters record, adding to her outdoor W55 standards in the 1500 metres and the mile.

Across the Atlantic, middle-distance standout Maëliss Trapeau placed fourth in the women’s 800 metres at the Meeting Miramas Métropole in France. The defending Canadian champion clocked 2:02.41, the second-fastest indoor performance of her career. Trapeau is aiming to secure a place at this year’s World Indoor Championships in Poland this March. She currently sits 25th in the Road to Kujawy Pomorze rankings, with the top 30 athletes earning selection.

In the United States, Maddie Seaby delivered a breakthrough run at home in the women’s 3000 metres at the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational in Louisville, stopping the clock at 9:35.43. The performance moves Seaby to seventh on the club’s U23 all-time list and improves on her previous personal best of 9:36.96 set last February. She also added a mile personal best of 4:58.91 the following day.

At the PSU National Open in Pennsylvania, several Lions posted notable results. Nicolas Belan (University of Guelph) turned in one of the busiest – and most productive – weekends of any Lion, recording a pair of U23 all-time top-10 performances. He ran 4:06.17 in the mile and followed with a 2:26.30 clocking over 1000 metres. Those marks place him 10th on the club’s U23 mile list and sixth in the 1000 metres. His mile performance also moves him to eighth in the current U SPORTS rankings, strengthening his championship positioning.

Combined events athlete Leo Wallner (Western University) delivered the strongest heptathlon of his career, scoring 4,831 points to finish fifth overall at the Penn State meet. The score moves him to seventh on the club’s all-time list and currently ranks ninth in the country. Wallner equalled his high jump personal best at 1.90 metres and set a lifetime best of 12.38 metres in the shot put as part of a strong seven-event series.

Paulina Procyk (University of Toronto)matched her personal best of 8.63 seconds in the women’s 60-metre hurdles on her way to a fifth-place finish. It was a busy schedule for the University of Toronto graduate student, who also competed in the flat 60 metres before racing three rounds of hurdles. Procyk currently ranks 13th nationally, just one position shy of the U SPORTS automatic qualifying standard.

At La Classique Héloise in Montreal, U18 vaulter Anabelle Muir rebounded from a disappointing outing the previous weekend to clear 3.45 metres. The mark moves her to third on the club’s U18 all-time list and places her 10th overall in club history across all age categories — a significant milestone for the developing vaulter. Muir currently ranks second nationally in her age group.

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Annual General Meeting to be held Monday, February 2nd 2026

by Clublinkinbio

The Ottawa Lions will host their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the evening of Monday, February 2nd, 2026, at 7:30pm EST. The meeting will take place virtually on Google Meets (Link will be shared the morning of). All members are invited to attend.

Please RSVP using the link below.

Members interested in putting their name forward to sit on the Board of Directors may do so in advance as well as during the meeting.

For further information, questions may be directed to Club President, Noah Houlton, via email at [email protected].

REGISTRATION LINK:

https://www.trackie.com/event/2026-ottawa-lions-agm/1035595

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. Meeting details will be sent out the morning of February 2nd, 2026.