Giving kids a sporty chance

Itching to go and wanting to show their talent, dozens of budding athletes converge on Kensington Park at 5.30pm on Monday evenings for the weekly children's athletics meeting.
Voluntary organisers Laeonie McKinnon, Carol Carter and Catherine Ryan organise the masses of children into groups, where they practise the basic skills required for the high jump, discus, putting the shot, sprinting and other events.
Colleen Brunker, who is one of Athletic Whangarei's experienced masters athletes, shares her skills with groups of children along with other volunteers.
While the school-aged budding athletes learn the basics, tiny tots accompanied by parents are kept busy with specially designed activities to develop co-ordination and provide fun. And older youngsters are given the option of trying themselves out in longer runs over distances such as 200m and 800m.
The organisers welcome assistance from parents and are always pleased to help those who may be worried they do not know what to do.
"As far as our clubs go, at junior level it's important for parents to get involved, it's rewarding," Carter said.
"I know a lot of parents get put off as they don't feel they have the ability but Catherine, Laeonie and I are more than happy to run them through the general basics of throws or jumps or track or whatever and for the club to run effectively and efficiently - and for the kids to be put through their paces and not to spend time standing around waiting, it's [parent help] really vital."
Carter says that being an official can lead to becoming a coach and there is a need for officials and coaches in order to develop the sport.
Interested children are welcome to join the budding athletes and parents interested in helping are invited to phone Carol (437-1216), Laeonie (438-8108) or Catherine (027 2251449).