Paralympics Start
With the beginning of the Tokyo Paralympics, we are extremely excited to get to see five brilliant Victorian athletes in action, and we are sending our best wishes to every one of them.
- Jaryd Clifford (Diamond Valley) – 1500m & 5000m T12
- Maria Strong (Athletics Essendon) – Shot put F33
- Nicholas Hum (Glenhuntly) – Long jump T20
- Sam McIntosh (Bellarine Athletics) – 100m T52
- Michal Burian (Sandringham) – Javelin throw F44
Broadcast live across the Seven Network, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will feel like a home Games for Australian viewers with time zones only differing by one hour (AEST).
ATHLETE PROFILE: JARYD CLIFFORD
(words from Athletics Australia)
When it comes to middle-distance superstars, not many come bigger than Jaryd Clifford (Philo Saunders) and Madison de Rozario (Louise Sauvage).
Clifford is set to complete the 1500m/5000m double in Tokyo, entering as the reigning T12 world champion in both events after an emphatic 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai. On that occasion, the vision impaired Aussie utilised guide runners to assist his ability to navigate the field – a luxury he will save for the marathon at this year’s Paralympic Games.
Clifford enters as the world record holder in his pet event of the 1500m at 3:41.34, making him one of Australia’s brightest gold medal prospects. With experience from Rio under his belt, the 22-year-old is not deterred by the task of completing three grueling events – saying his goal is simply to win them all.
You can view the Paralympic competition schedule by clicking on the button below.
Teaching Athletics Skill ITLAS
The Committee is very keen to offer opportunities to our Age Group Leaders and interested parents to learn more about teaching fundamental athletic skills. Little Athletics Victoria is offering a coaching course in the coming months called Introduction to Teaching Little Athletics Skills (ITLAS). It is a practical introduction to the basics of athletics. Click on the button below to learn more.
The club is willing to pay for your attendance. The closest courses are: Collingwood (4 Sept), Box Hill (12 Sept) or Whittlesea (3 Oct) but other dates/locations are options.
This is an awesome way to learn about teaching critical athletics skills, and is great for parents, volunteers, previous Little Athletes and school teachers, who want to know a little more about the skills of the sport in order to help at Little Aths, or prepare students for a school athletics carnival.
With a big summer season coming, we encourage everyone to consider giving the ITLAS a go!
Please contact Kate Downward on 0400 430 584 ASAP with an expression of interest to attend.
Calendar Changes
The YRA Cross Country calendar will be changing, subject to COVID restrictions.
Yarra Ranges Athletics 