The region's track and field athletes are urged to be patient as Little Athletics joins sports in a holding pattern due to COVID-19 regulations.
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Athletics is primed to ride a wave of excitement in an Olympic and Paralympic year particularly after Brisbane winning hosting rights for the Games in 2032.
The Kooringal-Wagga Little Athletics club had originally hoped to hold come-and-try nights last week and this week, and centres throughout the Riverina were due to formally begin their seasons in October.
However, the ban on community sport - which isn't planned to be lifted until 80 per cent of the state is fully vaccinated - means an extended off-season.
Little Athletics NSW's regional development officer for the Riverina, Daniel Warren, said it is a hurdle but is confident centres around the region will get going.
"We're waiting for a bit of direction from the NSW government and NSW Health in terms of running," Warren said.
"We're very positive and optimistic that we will get a start to the season. A lot of clubs are just trying to work out the best way forward."
He said some clubs will look at extending their seasons and encouraged parents to register their interest and stay in touch with their centres.
"The general consensus, particularly in the Riverina, is that everyone is positive and optimistic and looking for a start this side of Christmas," Warren said.
When the season does get the green light, the Wagga Little Athletics Club will stick with its traditional Thursday night competition (despite junior touch football moving to Thursday nights), and Kooringal-Wagga's competition nights will remain on Fridays.
Warren said coaching clinics in the upcoming school holidays are off but clarification is being sought from the Office of Sport regarding what training is permitted under current regulations.
"It is unfortunate. Obviously parents and kids want to get out of the house and see their friends and actively participate but it's hard because we're also doing everything to fit inside the rules and want to make sure we have 100 per cent clarity," Warren said.
After 2020 passed without an Olympics, the Tokyo Games this year produced something special in Australian track and field, and little athletics is keen to offer kids the chance to get involved.
"The momentum is always there (after an Olympics). I remember when I was a kid I loved watching the Olympics and seeing all the athletes," Warren said.
"Young kids love to see their role models and get involved in the sport. And obviously with the announcement of the 2032 Olympics here in Australia, up in Queensland, it's very exciting.
"I definitely recommend if kids want to get out there, enjoy some events with their friends, make new ones, they should definitely get involved and look forward to the future."
Warren pointed to the performances of 1500m finalists, and good friends, Linden Hall and Jessica Hull as an example of the spirit of athletics, as well as the excellence.
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