Champions were awarded, loyalty recognised, and long service honoured as the Isis District Little Athletics celebrated its 20th anniversary and awards presentation at the Childers Showgrounds on Saturday night.
The occasion proved to be an appropriate time to reflect on the club’s triumphs, challenges and the ongoing enjoyment the sport has delivered to its participants over two decades.
Centre manager Kerri Wills said the club had a proud history thanks to the support of parents, athletes and a generous community including the club’s major sponsor Childers Family Medicine.
She welcomed former centre managers Tricia Heaps and Andrew Cole to the awards night.
In her report, Kerri said the club had completed the season with 94 Little Athletics members and 14 parents registered with Queensland Athletics.
“The season came to an abrupt and early end due to COVID-19, but our club and athletes still had an enjoyable season with some outstanding performances,” she said.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of life memberships to dedicated members Andrew and Karen Cole. The couple became the fourth and fifth life members of the Isis District Little Athletics Centre.
Ms Wills said Karen’s work in club administration and Andrew’s involvement as an official and in field preparation over a long period of time was indicative of the reasons the club continues to enjoy success.
Mr Cole said the skills of run, jump and throw that were associated with athletics also equally translated into life skills often overcoming social barriers.
“Athletics creates lifelong friendships,” he said.
It was a night of multiple honours for Andrew, a former high school manual arts teacher, with Kerri Wills also presenting him with a Little Athletics Queensland 20 years’ service award.
Several presentations were made to members who had provided service “above and beyond” during the course of the season.
Recipients of the awards were Kerri Wills, Andrew Cole, Rachael Martin, Wayne Pharaoh, Jessie-May Volz and Yvonne Rowe.
Performance awards were presented across Junior, Senior and Adult categories to male and female athletes.
Jake Hardy and Alicia Ebert received the Junior Champion awards while Michael Ebert and Charli Murton were named Senior Champions.
Martyn Ryan and Emily Hardy took the honours in the adult championships.
Club patron for the past 20 years Cr Bill Trevor said the Childers Showgrounds provided a well-maintained irrigated surface and lighting which he believed made it one of the best sporting venues in country Queensland.
“It’s great to see the long-term utilisation of the facility by organisations like Little Athletics. Council strongly believes that providing excellent venues ensures the user organisation is supported and sport participants have every opportunity to excel in their performances,” Cr Trevor said.
Cr Trevor, who received a presentation to mark his 20 continuous years as patron, congratulated the winners and commended the athletes from the club who had achieved state and national representation.
Athletes representing the club at dtate level were Hamish Middleton, Josh Lane and Nathaniel Edmondson with Hamish also representing at national titles.
- Other news: Childers time capsule reveals 50yo contents
