Stawell Little Athletics Club has set itself up early for next year’s season with the purchase of new hurdles.
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The club owned older style hurdles made of wood which would open when hit.
New regulations from Athletics Victoria state the newer type of hurdles, which tip over when hit, must be used from next season onward.
The purchase comes after receiving two lots of grants – the latest pool of funding coming from Coles of more than $3900.
Club president Greg Carter said it was fantastic to have received the money.
“In total we have spent $6000 from grants to purchase the new hurdles and a trolley for the club,” he said.
A lot of people in the area will benefit from the large purchase.
- Greg Carter
“We are meeting regulations and it overcomes many challenges we have faced over the years.”
Mr Carter said without the financial constraints the club was able to purchase enough hurdles to have eight lanes of runners.
“In the past we have never been able to run eight lanes of hurdlers across the running track,” he said.
“In any race meet we have here and school sports, only four lanes were able to be used.”
Mr Carter said by increasing the amount of lanes being open at one time will be helpful in the future.
“It means we can host more runners in the heats and allows the bigger race meets or school sports day to run through the races quicker,” he said.
“A lot of people in the area will benefit from the large purchase.”
The club currently has 29 athletes and met for the first time on Thursday following the festive break.
“We are looking forward to finishing off the season on a high and getting some good use out of the hurdles,” Mr Carter said.
“With the tipping style of hurdle I am hoping it will encourage the athletes and we get a whole lot of personal bests coming in.”
Mr Cater said it is fantastic that athletics, in particular smaller clubs like Stawell, are still getting supported.
“We have a number of different sponsorship and volunteers,” he said.
“Coles as the major sponsor supply sunscreen, caps, aprons, snacks, water coolers and shade tents.
“On top of this generous grant, allowing us to purchase these hurdles, we have to give many thanks to them.”
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