Seed funding helps grow Little Aths

The fledgling Surf Coast Little Athletics group has welcomed $1000 of seed funding allocated by Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker.

The club, which is currently based at Torquay P-6 Primary College on Grossmans Road, hit the ground running last November when more than 400 children attended the launch day.

The funding will be used to buy much-needed equipment and was a welcome boost for founding president Claire Osborn who has been a driver behind the establishment of the club.

Ms Osborn said Little Athletics was fabulous for children to develop foundation skills and to network.

“The last couple of years with COVID many community activities have been cancelled. This is a good healthy way for kids to get back involved again,” she said.

“It has been wonderful to see the community backing the club. We now have an amazing foundation committee with lots of enthusiasm.”

Ms Coker – herself a former ‘Little Aths’ participant – attended a Surf Coast Little Athletics meet on Saturday (January 29) where she chatted with the children and parents, before presenting the $1000 of seed funding.

The MP praised Ms Osborn who she said had worked hard to build the club up from nothing, with the help of a team of parent volunteers.

“The fledgling club has only held six Saturday morning athletic meets so far, yet there is already 100 paid-up members. That speaks volumes about the need in the community,” she said.

“I took part in ‘Little Aths’ as a child and it was great fun – good to keep active and connect with other kids. It was also a way for parents to meet and develop lifelong friendships.

“For a rapidly growing area like Torquay, it gives young families who move into the area a place to connect.”

Ms Coker said she was thrilled to announce seed funding for the club which was growing rapidly and played an important role in the community.

“It’s important to encourage positive initiatives like this. Seeing the enthusiasm of the kids and parents was wonderful,” she said.

“The club is already growing rapidly so it may soon need a new home. I know that it aims to have its own facilities ultimately.”

People interested in finding out more about the Surf Coast Little Athletics Club can head to the club’s website.