WINTER TRACK AND FIELD SERIES
Winter is upon us, and Illawarra Blue Stars are gearing for a cross country series and also a winter track and field program. The track program for this winter will offer athletes a little more with every second round giving throwers the opportunity of having two throws on the same day. This also applies to jumpers who will see they have two jumps every second round. This is to encourage more field athletes taking part in the winter series, a popular event amongst school age students and those, such as masters athletes who are travelling overseas for major meets.
To commence on Sunday 22 May at the Kerryn McCann Athletic Centre and commencing at 10.30 am, the first round will consist of 60m, 150m, shot, walk, long jump, a 2 x 1km relay and an added hammer for U16, U18, U20, open and masters’ athletes. The program caters for all ages from U8 right through to masters’ men and women, so come on down on the 22 May and join us for the commencement of the winter track and field. All athletes are most welcomed, and the only fee payable is the fee into Beaton Park Leisure Centre onto the track. There is no competition fee.
SEASON FINISH
Meanwhile athletes such as Mary Thomas have taken off to Perth to contest the Masters Games. After her strong performances in the Australian titles she will be a favourite to take out her respective throws in her age bracket. Other athletes including thrower Alex del Popolo are taking part in the Unisports Games, a combination of all University athletes, and showcasing some of the best athletes in the land. Competition is very strong at these Games, as many of the top athletes are combining their sports with university studies.
CROSS COUNTRY TO COMMENCE
Cross country for IBS and anyone who wishes to take part will commence on Sunday 15 May, meeting at the Fairy Meadow Surf Club for the Puckeys Estate run. Athletes are asked to be there to commence right on 10.00 am and the distances will cater for the more serious cross country athlete but also for the sprinters who are using for fitness level, and people who just wish to join in a run that can offer friendship and fitness at the same time. The program for cross country will be exciting with once again a variety of courses that offers all sorts of terrain from hills, sand, up and down climbs, and is conducted on different courses to cater for everyone. Cross country is open to all ages from U8 right through to masters, and we encourage anyone to come along and join in a friendly and relaxed morning of get together and fitness at the same time. A full program will be available at the first meet and will also be available on the club’s website and Facebook page.
ANNUAL AWARDS AND PRESENTATION AND SOCIAL EVENING
Blue Stars will finalise the summer of track and field for the season 2021/2022, at the club’s annual awards and presentation evening to be held at Dapto Leagues club on Saturday 4 June. The evening will commence at 6.30 pm and go through to approximately 9.30 pm but will also be a social evening for members to meet up again and enjoy one another’s company. The evening will also end the summer season but will welcome in the club’s 70th Anniversary which will be celebrated through out the summer season of 2022/ 2023. Formed in the year 1953, Blue Stars is the oldest athletic club on the coast and has produced some outstanding athletes and is continuing to do so. It is proud of its reputation of being a club who invites any age of any ability to become a member. Family participation Is another key element of the club. The club’s warm approach to new members and the encouragement members give to one another is another contributing factor to the survival of this well-respected club. Meanwhile the club will be preparing for a season 2022/2023 of many exciting opportunities and expect some great news to be coming through to help us all celebrate this wonderful achievement.
THANKS
Our thanks go out to the members who supported the Tri the Gong on Sunday by helping to officiate at this very popular Wollongong event. Money received from this will go towards such things as presentation evening and development and it is this kind of commitment by members that, once again, keep Illawarra Blue Stars continuing to not only support our own club, but to help other community-based organisations.
Pencil in your diary, Saturday 4 June for the Annual Awards and Presentation and Social Evening at the Dapto Leagues Club commencing at 6.30 pm.