The Legion National Youth Track & Field Championships kicked off Friday, August 5th.

Seven members of the Airdrie Aces Track Club headed to Sainte-Thérèse Quebec for the competition.

Most members opted to represent the Aces, rather than try out for Team Alberta.

"The kids there with team Alberta have get up at 5:45, they have to be on the bus at 7 to go to the track and stay at the track the entire day, whether you compete or not." said Jodie Matsuba-Szucs, Aces Coach.

Of the 7 Aces competing, Logan Nellis and Andreas Troschky were the only two that opted to tryout for Team Alberta.

For Aces all-star Scott Chalupiak, this will be his final Nationals competition, having competed in the competition 3 times before.

This is his first year not competing with Team Alberta, as he aims to enjoy the experience that much more.

Canada's only national competition for the youth and midget category, the Legion Nationals are is funded entirely by Legion members.

Both an opening and closing ceremony are held, giving athletes the full experience.

The Nationals run from Friday, August 5th, to Sunday, August 7th.