NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The extreme heat didn't stop young athletes from competing in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) track meet in Newport News on Wednesday.
"Our kids, we prepared them pretty well. They have been out in the heat all week practicing, so I think everyone was prepared for it," said Coach Shakeda Robinson of JDC3 Elite Track and Field.
Young athletes competed at Todd Stadium for the region's five national qualifiers, hoping to qualify for the Junior Olympics in North Carolina in July.
"So we have over 1300 kids competing from now to Saturday, and they're hoping to get top five in their respective events [to] qualify to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics next month," said Assistant Director of AAU Maya Moore.
On Wednesday, athletes ages 8 to 18 competed in various events. Young athlete Ava-Simone Buries also participated.
"I competed in shot put, the 200, and the high jump," said Buries.
However, organizers said they are doing all they can to keep kids and teens cool.
"So we have different water stations set up in each area with water cups, and we make sure each athlete stays hydrated. We have some tents out here. We're going to try to keep them cool and out of the sun so that they're ready to compete," said Robinson.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Virginia will likely experience a hotter-than-usual summer. Temperatures reached the upper 90s on Wednesday, and young athletes shared some advice on staying cool.
"Lots of water, lots of body armor, a lot of Gatorade, and also a lot of shade," said Buries.
Organizers said they would have canceled Wednesday's event if a heat advisory was in place, but the races continued since that was the case.
However, they encourage parents and guardians to bring plenty of water and tents if they want to stay calm and hydrate while they cheer on their kids.