Our Story & Commitment
The Valley Royals Track Club was founded in the winter of 1980 by a group of parents, including the former President of the Abbotsford Track Club, Paul Anderson. They approached Jane and Roger Swan with the idea of creating a new club, promising financial support if the Swans would lead it. Initially named the Abbotsford Royals, the club soon expanded beyond the city’s borders and was renamed the Valley Royals to reflect its wider appeal.
In its early days, the club faced challenges, such as limited participation in conference meets due to not having full member status. However, by the end of the 1980 season, BC Athletics intervened, and meets were opened to all affiliated clubs. The club’s stature grew when three international athletes, including Brit Lind Petersen (Brit Townsend) and Sarah Howell, joined – marking the beginning of the Royals’ rise to prominence.
Financial stability was achieved through Paul Anderson’s influence, which secured access to a community bingo hall and additional fundraising through Mrs. Gibson, a former fundraiser for the Abbotsford Track Club. A trust fund was established under the Abbotsford Foundation, with the interest designated to support track and field activities administered by the Valley Royals.
The club’s operations were bolstered by the merger with the Abbotsford Track Club, with Henry Braun becoming the second President of the Valley Royals. Post-amalgamation, the club thrived, benefiting from lottery funding and the trust fund endowment, hosting significant events, and initiating popular programs like the Elementary Grand Prix Cross Country series.
Jane Swan played a pivotal role as the club manager, securing funds, organizing events, and serving as the President of BC Athletics. Her efforts in governance and funding ensured the ongoing vitality of track and field in BC. She was posthumously honored as a Builder by the BC Sports Hall of Fame and the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame for her contributions to athletics.
Our Mission
- We provide high-quality athletics programming.
- We deliver safe and inclusive programs.
- We equally focus on grass-roots and high-performance sport.
- We invest in our coaches and volunteers, who care deeply about providing an athlete-centred environment.
- We host and attend track meets and events that unite our community.
Our Purpose
To grow athletics in Abbotsford so that people:
- experience the joy of participating in sport.
- take pride in engaging and connecting with their community.
- achieve personal, regional, and national success.
- are good citizens and ambassadors for sport.
Our Values
The following values underpin our daily actions and enable us to carry out our mission.
