Gift takes on a new look

SEVERAL new backers have played a big part in the Bendigo Gift athletics carnival being run this Saturday at the Retreat Road track in Flora Hill.

There’s more than $15,000 in prizemoney up for grabs on one of the most prestigious events on the Victorian Athletics League circuit.

Stars who will take to the track include Olympic representative Kendra Hubbard, Winter Olympics bobsleigh competitor Kiara Reddingius, and reigning Stawell Gift champion Harrison Kerr.

Also in action will be Bella Pasquali, a national under-17 400-metre titleholder, rising star Luke Stevens, and Ballarat’s Tiana Shillito – the Bendigo Gift women’s champion in 2019, 20 and 22.

The Gift, which was first run as the Bendigo Thousand in 1947 and been a key feature of the Bendigo International Madison carnival since 1972 was not run two years ago.

Distance for Bendigo Gift was usually 120 metres, but decreased to 100 metres last year at the Flora Hill venue.

Athletics Bendigo president Craig Burnett and several other leading athletics identities have played a crucial role in ensuring the Bendigo Gift tradition keeps rolling.

“The change to the Gift distance was something the VAL was keen to try,” he said. “There are not many 200 metre races in the pro athletics season.”

New partners for this Bendigo Gift include AASB Accounting as sponsor of the women’s 200 metres, and Edwards Providore to back the women’s 400 metres.

City of Greater Bendigo is sponsor of the men’s 200 metres while the open 1600 metres is backed by A.L. Parker Electrical.

Other sponsors include Maxx Bakery, Mulqueen Finance, and Strath Hill Butchery.

Best known for his deeds on the basketball court for Bendigo Braves, Andrew Arundell from AASB Accounting said the business was keen to support the Bendigo Gift.

“We received a call from Corey Mulqueen about being a sponsor for the carnival,” Arundell said.

“The links were already strong through my cousin, Matt McDonough being VAL president, and three of my four children who really enjoy Little Athletics.

“A big part of Corey’s message was about keeping the Bendigo Gift tradition going.

“It’s a chance to see some Olympians and others who have run at national and state championships on a track not far from your own home.”

Greg Edwards from Edwards Providore said the Kennington Village-based cafe and gift shop was always keen to support the community.

“We have chipped in as sponsors of various events across Bendigo,” Edwards said. “It’s all about locals helping locals.”

Other highlights on the Bendigo Gift card include the Sean Quilty Memorial masters 800 metres at 7.30pm.

The race honours the 1996 Atlanta Olympian, three-time world championship representative, and silver medallist in the marathon at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.

Saturday’s racing starts at 1pm and it’s free entry for spectators.