LEWISTON – The Sisters of Charity Health System has signed on with the Maine Corporate Track Association and has been competing in track and field events throughout the 2005 season.

The team is the first team from the Lewiston/Auburn area and they traveled to South Portland, Brunswick, Falmouth and Westbrook to compete.

They have competed in five meets that included regional and state. The team practiced once a week as a group at the Bates College outdoor track with coach Tom Menendez. His coaching helped individuals who had never competed in track reach their goals and score points.

Many of the 17-team members were competing for the first time in track and field. What the team found was they got in shape, felt good and had a lot of fun. All the team members scored points and many continued to improve in their events.

Kathy Smith, coordinator of health promotion services for prevention and wellness and team captain for the system, said there is a lot of support and excitement in the organization.

“We are very pleased with the size of the team for our first year. The team is talking it up to fellow employees, and there is a list of people interested in signing on next year.”

The system team is made up of employees and family members. Kevin Healey, vice president of human resources, has been participating since day one of practice. He even missed golfing on a Saturday morning for the state meet. He said he has enjoyed being a part of the team and hopes others get involved next year.

“The mixture of people on the team is what makes participation so much fun. I get to participate with folks I’d never otherwise see,” Healey said.

For more information, go to www.mainecorporatetrack.org.