I have found myself in the position of President of this wonderful Centre this season. It is not usually a title that I would personally strive for, however I will endeavour to fulfill this role to the best of my ability. Before me, we have been blessed with many very qualified Presidents who have brought to our Centre skills in business, policy and procedures, project management and industry professions, many who I have had the pleasure to work with as a committee member and have gained invaluable knowledge from. What I may lack in experience, I will make up for with my passion for not only athletics but also for kids developing into awesome community members with support from their family and friends.
This is my 17th and final season at CLAC. My three children have all been little athletes, from the beginning at Kangaroo Bay through to the wonderful facilities we find ourselves in at Clarence High today. I have witnessed firsthand the impact Little Athletics has had on not only my kids but the lifelong, state-wide friends they have met along the way.
Sometimes it may seem as though our children are simply learning balance and co-ordination at tiny tots, and technique and event-specific skills for our older athletes, but they are also learning lifelong lessons and traits. Learning to abide by rules, wait their turn, respect co-ordinators and fellow competitors, relax between events (be bored!) and create a healthy mindset over Personal Best(PB) performances, winning, losing, gaining entry to State competitions and teams, or not, and bravely trying something they may never have before. I have always said, how would you know if you “can’t” throw a Javelin, High Jump, Triple Jump, Run 1500 metres if you’ve never been given the chance? I believe not only is Little Athletics a brilliant base for many other sporting endeavours, but it develops kids into great human beings with a mature approach to constructive criticism and coaching.
Little Athletics is a unique environment where families enjoy the activities together. Events simply can’t happen without parents, grandparents, carers getting involved. We are keen for you to learn so please jump in where you can. I am proud of the supportive environment at CLAC and of the amazing amount of knowledge and experience that our families bring to our Centre each season. I wish to invite and encourage you to please share this with us and join together with our athletes and families as we build our Centre into the future.
I am happy to say our motto ‘Family, Fun and Fitness’ still bides us well after 40 years and will thrive with us into our future.
REMEMBER NEW ATHLETES are able to compete TWICE for FREE before committing to registration during October and November. Simply check out our Calendar and turn up to compete.
I wish you and your athlete/s a season full PB’s and I look forward to helping you achieve them!
Cheers,
Angelene Arnold
CLAC President
