As the weather signals that summer is on its way, so too does the start of the Little Athletics season.
The Wagga club opened its new season on Thursday night at Jubilee Park and Kooringal-Wagga will kick off at the same venue on Friday.
Both clubs stress the sport emphasises encouragement rather than competition.
“Our sport’s unique in that, regardless of whether you have a disability or you’re slow or fast, you can find a discipline you can achieve goals in,” said Wagga president, Brent Hathaway.
“Those goals aren’t coming first.
“We reward people for beating a time or throw or jump from the previous week and that’s where we get the satisfaction.”
Wagga Little Athletics expects around 220 athletes, a reduction on last year which Hathaway said will allow the club to focus on coaching and instruction.
Kooringal-Wagga anticipates around 120 registrations which president Craig Lucas said will range from families enjoying the chance to exercise in a relaxed environment to those serious about their specific events.
“Really, in Wagga we’re extremely lucky to have great coaches that actively help out at both clubs,” Lucas said.
“It’s not just Friday night – they can go and see the coaches there on different nights and different times during the week to practice.”
It’s not too late to get involved at either club, with new registrations accepted up until Christmas.
The season runs right through to Easter next year.
