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Storm fails to rain on Mildura Little Aths parade

Posted on December 23, 2011

By VINNIE RODI

LAST Sunday’s 60mm downpour was certainly a cause for concern for many local residents. Homes, businesses and sporting grounds topped a list of badly-hit areas, with Mildura’s Old Aerodrome Ovals in particular resembling a tiny lake.

The Mildura and District Little Athletics Association has faced plenty of hurdles in its 40 year history, with battling the results of Sunday morning’s 60mm downpour amongst them. And while the rain may have left most of the Aerodrome Ovals under water – and put a stop to the day’s events – it did little to dampen spirits

And while the large build-up of water may have been enough to deter most, it did little to curb the enthusiasm of close to 50 members of Mildura’s Little Athletics Association, with participants opting to make the most of a bad situation.

Kicking off their running shoes and opting to go for ‘swim’ rather than a jog, the group seemed absolutely delighted by the change in circumstances.

It was a day that was originally designed to give the kids an opportunity to gain qualification times for the upcoming South Australian Little Athletics Association Championships, while also acting as the official opening and celebration of a number of upgrades to the group’s Aero Oval facilities.

And while the qualifying events were cancelled, the celebrations continued on, with the group joined by Mildura Rural City Councillor, Sue Nichols, Mildura Mayor John Arnold, Member for Mildura Peter Crisp, and Federal Member for Mallee John Forrest.

Celebrations saw members and guests gather for the unveiling of the oval’s $70,000 upgrades – which include an extra synthetic long jump/triple jump facility, the upgrade of the existing long jump run-up and the installation of electric time gates.

A new honour board showcasing the names of all 15 life members of Mildura’s Little Aths group and office-bearers from the 2008/09 period was also unveiled, before a barbecue lunch and a visit from the man of the moment – Santa Claus took place.

All money dedicated to the project was the result of fund-raising and government grants, with Mildura Rural City Council contributing $2400 to the cause, the Victorian Government’s Community Facility Funding Program allocating $30,000, and the Little Aths Association itself raising close to $9000.

Established 40 years ago, the Mildura and District Little Athletics Association has been instrumental in discovering a number of the region’s athletic talent, while also helping to educate youngsters in healthy and active living.

Currently boasting 150 participants, MDLAA president, Steve Erlandsen, said the new facilities would provide the region’s young athletes with a boost, while also improving the safety standards and performance potential of the group.

“These upgrades will allow us to run our programs more quickly and efficiently, and I’m really excited about having the new long jump and triple jump pits available,” he said.

Steve said the new electronic timer – which allows lane events to be automatically timed and recorded – was also proving a hit.

“It means we don’t need volunteers on the sidelines with stop watches, and we get quick results with guaranteed accuracy, which is particularly useful for our elite athletes,” he said.

Mr Forrest – who addressed the assembled crowd during celebrations – said that he was delighted to see the completion of the recent upgrades.

“It’s good to see local, State and Federal Governments joining with sporting groups like the Mildura District Little Athletics Association to fund this type of project,” he said.

“When communities have a project they believe in and they are putting something towards it, even in-kind contribution, most funding authorities would find it hard to ignore an application for funding.

“Sport is great for social well-being and individual character building, and I’ve seen many young people gain great confidence through participation and discovering something they’re good at in sport.

“When the Coalition was in government, a lot of Commonwealth money went into the Aero Ovals precinct, and I’m glad to see expenditure continue to be used in this manner.

“Mildura is still one of the strongest growing regional centres in Australia, and it is facilities like the Aero Ovals and groups like the Mildura District Little Athletics and the other sporting clubs out there that help make Mildura an attractive place for people to come and live.”

More information about the Mildura and District Little Athletics Association is available by visiting www.littleathsmildura.org.au, or by phoning Steve on 0427 233 504.

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