More than 200 athletes, coaches and officials from 15 countries took to Foote Field Sunday for the fifth annual Edmonton Athletics Invitational. Part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver, the meet offers athletes an opportunity to earn ranking points ahead of international championships. “Some of them are going to be at the Commonwealth Games in two weeks’ time, so this is just more preparation for them to get to that world stage and that international level,” said Jeff Bailey, executive director of Elections Alberta. “We’re just very proud to have the opportunity to bring that here.” Athletics Alberta organized the invitational that showcases track and field events including sprint, distance, field and para competitions. Grace Konrad, an Edmonton sprinter who competes in the 400-metre sprint, was at the event after experiencing some challenges with injuries. “It’s so encouraging to be able to race with a home crowd, have my family, my coach, my friends supporting me. It means a lot,” Konrad told CTV News Edmonton Sunday. The Government of Alberta provided more than $181,000 to support the invitational through its Major Sports Events grant program. The province said the competition is expected to generate more than $1 million in economic impact for the Edmonton region. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Curtis Goodrum
