Little Athletics evolved, like most voluntary community organisations, through the mind and conscience of one man.

Trevor Billingham followed the pattern set by many pioneers in the field of community service. He recognised a need and introduced an idea designed to meet that need.  On an October day in 1963 three boys turned up at an

athletics meeting in Geelong. They were ready to compete.  On approaching an official they were told that they were

too young to take part. That official was Trevor Billingham.  The disappointment, evident in the boys, left a marked

impression on his mind. The thought was forgotten; it came alive again several months later.

 

At a coaching clinic designed for secondary school students it was noted that the majority of children were of primary school age. Reminded of his earlier experience, Trevor Billingham had an idea. The answer to the need expressed in the children would be a simple Saturday morning competition.  On the first Saturday of October 1964, he met with a small

group of children on a Geelong oval. They took part in a short program of running events.

 

From that simple beginning, athletics for under 12 boys and girls developed at a phenomenal rate. Little Athletics created tremendous interest; by 1967 the Victorian Little Athletics Association was formed. Australian Little Athletics Union was formed in Perth on the 31 March 1972. Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory & Western Australia were the founding members.  Little Athletics Victoria now has over 20,000 members competing on a weeky basis at 102 Centres across Victoria.

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Summer and winter seasons offer different programs. Track & Field is run through summer and during winter months many centres operate Cross Country. Events run by centres vary for different age groups but can include:

 

Track

Sprints - 100m, 200m Distance - 400m, 800m, 1500m Hurdles - 60mh, 80mh, 90mh, 100mh Walks - 1100m, 1500m (Association Championship distances listed) 

 

 

Field

 

Jumps - Long Jump, Triple Jump,High Jump

Throws - Shot Put, Discus, Javelin

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Echuca Little Athletics centre was re-formed in 1976 and with a lot of hard work is still very much active today. In the year 2000 we became known as Echuca Moama Little Athletics Centre (58). The emphasis being on personal achievement, improvement and learning basic skills, in a fun and family friendly environment.

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