Little athletes win gold at relay carnival

MEMBERS of Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre have returned from the region relay carnival held in Werribee last Saturday.

The centre had 65 athletes involved in the carnival along with 10 volunteer coaches and the event was open to under nine to under 17 athletes.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the centre won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals.

The centre won the boys under 16 four by 200 metre relay and the under 15 mixed four by 200 metre events with both teams automatically heading to the state championships.

“It was a pretty tough day… it got to about 35 in Werribee and it was quite an open track,” said committee member Linda Thompson.

“The kids were fantastic especially under those trying conditions… we’re quite proud with how the kids coped with those temperatures.”

Ms Thompson said an event highlight was seeing the children working together rather than competing.

“I think they really enjoy that team environment,” she said.

“It’s a really great atmosphere for the kids and I think that team environment is a great bonding opportunity for the kids who have that competitiveness in the individual competition.

“The friendships they gain out of it I think is really important.”