A HADDON-based athletics club is turning twenty-five this month.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
With 110 children registered in this year\u2019s athletics, the club has seen great growth recently.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen our registration numbers grow incredibly since 2020.<\/p>\n
\u201cCOVID didn\u2019t impact the club too much and we actually increased registration since people can do athletics outdoors and it\u2019s not a big financial commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finch said one of the biggest changes she\u2019s seen over the years is the move to a digital recording system, which allows children to see their own personal best before they compete.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have really fostered that culture of doing your best and not having to be the best,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s success.<\/p>\n
Coordinator Peter Luke has been with club for its entire 25 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommittees have come and gone but he\u2019s been the constant driving force. He\u2019s very good at making sure the club has the sponsorship and crowd funding it needs to keep going and he\u2019s very passionate,\u201d Ms Finch said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s the big kid teaching them and passing on his wisdom. He\u2019s a really big part of the club\u2019s heart and soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
The anniversary celebrations will be held at Haddon Recreation Reserve on Friday, 31 March at 4.30pm.<\/p>\n