This week marks the return of Littles at Morrison Reserve and Seniors AVSL, with our home venue this week for Seniors being Bill Stewart Reserve.
Please note updates to the Seniors calendar as well as some important information about Little Aths Relays and the State Combined Event, information for both can be found further down the newsletter.
Funding relief
Yarra Ranges Little Athletics Centre has been given a much-needed funding boost for its upcoming season thanks to a $4,900 grant from Coles.
The Little Athletics centre in Mt Evelyn is one of 158 grassroots sports club across Australia to share in $521,000 for sports equipment from the latest round of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.
It is the single largest round of grants distributed to Little Athletics centres since the Fund was established two years ago to support little athletes hoping to follow in the footsteps of champions like Sally Pearson and Brandon Starc.
The grant comes amid research from the Australian Sports Foundation in July which estimated that over 16,000 local sports clubs were at risk of closing due to reduced revenues and increased costs arising from COVID-19. Yarra Ranges Little Athletics’ Treasurer Jane Pointon said the grant to purchase a new electronic starting kit, speakers and tablets will help get its athletes and volunteers back on track after a tough year.
“The new equipment will significantly improve the experience of our athletes, volunteers and their families and ensure our competition days can run more efficiently,” he said. Coles State General Manager Mark O’Connor said Coles was pleased to support the Yarra Ranges’ budding athletes and parent volunteers.
“We know it’s been a difficult six months for everyone involved in community sport, particularly little athletes. We hope news of this grant of nearly $5,000 to Yarra Ranges Little Athletics centre will give their athletes, families and volunteers a morale boost ahead of the new season,” he said. “Coles is passionate about helping kids lead healthier, happier lives.
That’s why we’re delighted to have raised more than $363,000 in Victoria and $1.68 million nationally for local sports clubs through the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund in just two years.” Funds for the grant are raised through the sale of specially marked chiller bags designed by Aussie kids, with ten per cent of every bag sold directed to the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.
Relays
Entries close soon for the regional relays.
Check the calendar and get those entries in as soon as possible.
Coaching
Coach Kate Downward will be holding training sessions this week, Tuesday at 9am, Wednesday at 4pm and Thursday at 9am.
Yarra Ranges Athletics 