Illawarra Blue Stars athletes will be keenly contesting for awards this Saturday evening when the club will hold its Annual Awards and Presentation evening. To be held in Kanahooka , commencing at 7.00 pm, all awards this season have been keenly contested and all ages from U8 right through to masters men and women are all in with a chance of not only taking away a placing in their age divisional point score but also in line for some of the major special awards. The club has had an outstanding summer season, with very good results not only at club and premier league competition but also at state and national level with three national titles coming to the club, plus the multiple titles won by the club’s masters athletes at the recently held National Masters titles.
The awards not only highlight achievements in performance but also recognise contribution to the club, sportsmanship and also loyalty to the club over a period of time.
Meanwhile, the athletes have added another award for the club and this time to commence the Winter Series on a high with Geoff Hynoski, Charlotte Smith and father, Ian Smith recently taking out the teams event at the Kembla Joggers run, the Fitness Five. Combined with good runs in the recent 10km state, this is a good way to commence winter for the clubs athletes.
The club will deliver a Winter Track and Field Program again this winter but will vary a little with events to give school age athletes the opportunity of preparing for their school carnivals. Added to the monthly events will also be a cross country event of 2km, 4km and 6km to commence the program at 10.00 am and followed by the track and field program at 10.30 am. Round one will be held on Sunday 22 May with events in all ages from U8 right through to masters men and women, with 60m, 150m, 300m, shot, walk, long jump, 2km, 4km, 6km cross country for round one. No entry fee is asked, just entry into Kerryn McCann Athletic Centre. The following rounds will be held Sunday 26 June, followed by 24 July and 28 August. Catering for all abilities and ages, all athletes or potential athletes are urged to come along, and if you haven’t tried track and field before but you wish to have a go, Blue Stars will welcome and support you as much as possible. Coaches are also available to talk to at each session whilst senior athletes are encouraged to assist new young members.
I have been asked on a number of occasions re. the development of the Beaton Park complex ,since the announcement by Council. It is great news to see this area being developed into the showcase of sport and our sport of track and field certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed. All clubs who use the complex were asked for input, with most of the clubs endorsing better grandstand facilities, improved storage space and better all round maintenance of the ground on a much regular basis. The track will be resurfaced in 2017, but the expansion of the area will be out on display by Council for all to see. Beaton Park can become the showcase of sport and it is great to see that our own sport of Track and Field will be playing an important role in this development.
Winter can be a fun time and many like to jog, run cross country and contest major club meets, but I urge all athletes who run on the road to ensure they are running with safety. On many occasions we see people running on the roads in dark clothing, and running with the traffic. Many times I have written this up, but we still continue to see many on the roads. Many are athletes who do not run with local athletic clubs, but people who just like to keep fit but I am hoping they may read this column and take notice of what they have to do. Don’t put yourself at risk, there are so many running/jogging places in the Gong without running on the road. Look after your safety.
Announcement of all Club awards will be featured here within the next two weeks.