Running into a new milestone

A HADDON-based athletics club is turning twenty-five this month.

The Woady Yaloak Athletic Club is celebrating the milestone with the running of the Haddon Gift, presentations for the 2022/23 season and a barbeque on Friday, 31 March.

With 110 children registered in this year’s athletics, the club has seen great growth recently.

Vice-president of the committee Lucy Finch said a lot of families are moving to the area, so having an activity run locally is beneficial.

“I think the club has a real community focus and development focus, we certainly reward achievement however the focus is on the kids being active, having a go and learning the techniques,” she said.

“We’ve seen our registration numbers grow incredibly since 2020.

“COVID didn’t impact the club too much and we actually increased registration since people can do athletics outdoors and it’s not a big financial commitment.”

Finch said one of the biggest changes she’s seen over the years is the move to a digital recording system, which allows children to see their own personal best before they compete.

“We have really fostered that culture of doing your best and not having to be the best,” she said.

She also said the community of parents and volunteers who set up equipment, take the children around each week and do the behind-the-scenes work are crucial to the club’s success.

Coordinator Peter Luke has been with club for its entire 25 years.

“Committees have come and gone but he’s been the constant driving force. He’s very good at making sure the club has the sponsorship and crowd funding it needs to keep going and he’s very passionate,” Ms Finch said.

“He’s the big kid teaching them and passing on his wisdom. He’s a really big part of the club’s heart and soul.”

The anniversary celebrations will be held at Haddon Recreation Reserve on Friday, 31 March at 4.30pm.

Anyone wanting to attend can RSVP to [email protected].