For over forty years, Vital has been the leading force behind the Timmins-Porcupine Track and Field Club – and the North Central Region during the OTFA’s (now Athletics Ontario) regional period.

Vital operates an athletics club that caters to athletes of all ages and levels of performance. The inclusive approach of the club means not only the organization of local and regional competitions, but the arrangement of numerous lengthy, costly trips to southern Ontario and other locations where a higher level of competition is available. Vital and the club coaches under his watchful eye have produced hundreds of Canadian and Ontario champions, some of whom have gone on to represent Canada internationally.

Vital has always had an interest in the level of the sport provincially, having served as the region’s President for many years, as well as sitting as a member of Athletics Ontario’s Technical Committee.

Vital has been a strong supporter and promoter of his own community by successfully lobbying for a high-level athletics training facility. The city was rewarded by being given hosting rights for three Royal Canadian Provincial Championships (including one this summer) – and an Athletics Ontario Bantam-Midget-Youth Championship meet.

Vital is remembered annually with the Vital Shank Memorial Track and Field Meet, a cornerstone of the Athletics community in the area.