What a weekend Illawarra Blue Stars have had. With winter now upon us IBS members and visitors alike are being encouraged to take part in the IBS and ANSW Winter Cross Country series. On Saturday 3rd June Geoff Hynoski and the Hogg family - Ashleigh, Jessica and Corey - ventured to the ANSW XCC Festival at the Sydney Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park to take part in the 12km and 6km events. All 4 athletes moved up distances but handled them well to finish in the middle order of competitors. This venue is a new addition to the ANSW program and was given top marks by all athletes who competed.
The ANSW Awards on Saturday 3rd June were a big night for our club. The announcement of the late Janet Munro as Official of the Year for Athletics NSW was a fitting reward for a lady who devoted so much time and effort to Athletics in general. Janet had a real feel for athletics and her determination to ensure athletes competed under the best possible conditions as to rules and regulations was one of her greatest assets. Husband John was a happy and proud man as he accepted the award on behalf of his late wife. John wasn’t to be outdone, however, and along with club officials Neville Fenn, Jodie Sundstrom and of course Janet were acknowledged for officiating in 25 or more meets for Athletics NSW. To be given this recognition is a great achievement, considering only 23 officials across all NSW clubs were acknowledged.
But the evening didn’t end there. Field games exponent Mary Thomas was awarded the Masters Thrower of the Year with ANSW, competing against male and female athletes. Another award bestowed on this lady who never gives up. She will now travel to the Australian Masters Championships in Darwin this week where another award awaits her as she has been also been nominated for Australian Masters Thrower of the Year (Female division). To finish her summer season she now just needs to win or be placed in her events in the National titles.