Oregon Gov. Kate Brown visits Roosevelt students, looking ahead to World Athletics Championships in Eugene

Standing on the Roosevelt High School football field in the rain, Oregon Governor Kate Brown briefly met with student athletes in North Portland Thursday, inviting them to next month’s World Athletics Championships at the University of Oregon.

Brown said there was a reason she made the trip to North Portland.

“We wanted to come to Roosevelt to celebrate their district championship and also highlight some of the amazing work that their athletes are doing, like Lily Jones, who’s literally a second away from the world record,” Brown said. “These students are doing amazing things.”

Lily Jones graduated from Roosevelt earlier this week. She has committed to run track at the University of Oregon.

Brown and World Athletics Championships mascot Legend talked to a small group of Roosevelt student athletes, asking about their track and field events, and for seniors, their plans for next year.

Brown also mentioned head track coach Jonquil Vann, who is also a school psychologist at Roosevelt.

“It’s a really nice opportunity for her to work with students on the track field, but also work with students who need the help,” Brown said. “Just delighted that she’s here and providing her services to the students. There’s no question that we need more behavioral health specialists on our high school campuses, but also frankly in elementary and middle school as well.”

The World Athletics Championships were originally scheduled last year, but moved to this summer due to COVID-19. They will take place July 15 through 24. It’s the first time the event will be held in the United States.

Brown says athletes from 200 countries are expected to compete next month, with thousands of visitors flooding into Eugene, and one billion viewers tuning in for the global track and field event.

“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Oregon, and show the world what Oregon is really about,” Brown said. “It’s also an amazing opportunity to highlight our local businesses and the amazing products we produce. And a great opportunity to boost Oregon’s tourism.”