Little Aths back on track

FOR the first time since the early ‘70s Buninyong Little Athletics Club is back on the track and numbers are growing.

Over 100 kids are running, jumping and throwing there way to track and field fun, and club president Shane Bicknell said it was more than just about health and fitness.

“It’s about athletics but it’s also about family and fun and making friends,” he said.

“Kids make lifelong friends through it, and so do the parents.”

The club offers a full range of little aths track and field events, which means everything but the pole-vault and hammer.

Participants have their times, distances and heights recorded and each week can push themselves to break their personal best. There’s also opportunity to compete and regional and state level.

Along with the competitive side of track and field, Mr Bicknell said there were other positive qualities to athletics.

“Parents recognise that kids have to learn the fundamental motor skills,” he said. “Little aths is really good at teaching them running, jumping and throwing. So there actually getting out and learning a few life skills while there doing athletics.

“They do games-based athletics, so they teach them the athletic fundamentals without them realising it.”

Cost for joining the club for two terms is $170 including competition top, all participants need to bring are running shoes, shorts, a hat and water bottle.

Mr Bicknell said that meant access to taking part was relatively inexpensive.

“When you compare it with other sports it’s really family friendly from a cost point of view,” he said.

Athletes aged 5 to 15 are welcome at Royal Park in Buninyong on Friday evenings from 5pm to 6.30pm.

To join you can register online at buninyonglac.com.au.