All weather track a winner

It was smiles all round at Athletics Whangarei's junior club night when more than 230 youngsters turned out to use the new all-weather athletics track at Kensington Park.
The first club night was held on October 11 in driving rain and blustery winds. But, despite the wintry weather, children turned up in their droves with their parents in tow, Athletics Whangarei president and coach Ian Babe said. A similar number attended the club night on Monday. Babe said he hoped it was the start of a successful new era for the club.
"We are delighted with the numbers as we had put such a big effort into publicising athletics over winter," he said.
Athletics Whangarei were kept busy over the last six months, going into every primary school in the district to promote athletics as well as having a stall in the city mall and at last month's Sport Northland's Celebration of Running Festival.
"We have a very strong committee who is fully supported by the executive and they are all here tonight (Monday)." Also there to instruct the young athletes were top coaches Val Babe, Colleen Brunker and of course, Ian Babe.
The all-weather track was opened earlier this year and has helped entice budding athletes to join or return to the club, including up-and-coming runner Amanda Still.
The 12-year-old has been involved with the club for three years and is developing into a fine runner. She would improve by training on the track which met international competition standards, Still's coach Ian Babe said.
While she enjoyed sprinting, the Whangarei Intermediate student has proven her strength in longer distances. She won her school cross-country along with the combined interschools cross-country, and was second at the Northland Championships earlier this year.
She was the type of athlete that Athletics Whangarei hoped would stick with the sport, Babe said.
"We are hoping to capture the interest of young athletes, especially focusing on 12-14 year-olds, and maybe they will take the sport to a senior level," he said.
Competing in athletics saw individuals develop power, endurance, speed and agility - all basic skills needed for every sport.
"Hopefully they will choose athletics over other sports though."
One newcomer to the club this season, getting his first taste of athletics, was 6-year-old Ben Alford.
The Maungatapere Primary school student who loves football was enrolled to occupy him over the summer months and keep him out of trouble, Ben's father Matt Alford said.
"It's a nice crossover from soccer and it keeps him busy and out of trouble," he said.
Many of Ben's Marist Football Club friends had also joined but, already, Ben said he was meeting lots of cool people.
While he looked like he was shaping up to be a strong sprinter after racing in the 60m sprint, his new favourite event was long jump, he said. Every week there is a run, jump and throw event for the youngsters to participate in. These are changed around in each session.
It is not too late to join Whangarei Athletics. Phone Ian Babe for more information on (09) 437 1657. Junior club nights start at 5.30pm on Mondays, while seniors gather at the all-weather track at 6pm on Tuesdays.