Three individuals with distinct connections to the Valley Royals are contesting the upcoming Abbotsford Municipal election. Henry Braun, the second ever president of the Valley Royals, is a candidate for the mayor’s chair after having served the three previous years as a councilman. In the 1980’s Henry paved the way for the merger of the Abbotsford Track Club with the Valley Royals. Henry had two children that competed for the Royals.
Bill MacGregor, whose son Lockhart was a silver medalist at last week’s BC Cross Country Championships, is a candidate for re-election to council. Bill himself is a former all round athlete, coach, educational administrator and recreational runner. With the retiring council, Bill is acting as the liaison for the installation of a resurfaced track and field facility at the Swan facility.
Ross Siemens, father of Valley Royal and University of Idaho runner Alexandria Siemens, is also contesting a seat on council. Ross is the owner of Siemens’ Automotive and he himself is an avid runner who loves to take part in local road races. If elected, Ross will bring experience to the position as a number of years ago he served on council.
If the above threesome wins election on November 15, track and field will have individuals in local government that understand the needs of our sport.