Dear Members and Parents,
We have now hit the halfway point of the season, who would have thought three months ago that we would have been able to compete in any junior sport let alone complete half a season prior to Christmas. I would lie to firstly acknowledge the effort put in by the committee to get the season up and running with a three week turn around from relaxing of restrictions until the first starters gun firing for the season. With the requirements put in place under the Covid rulings it was a massive effort and congratulations are in order.
The sign of strong club is not financial, it is not success on track but the morale and culture within its ranks. EMLAC as a club is delighted to see this culture continuing to grow. Each week its fulfilling to see the competitors cheering each other on and supporting each other, on track, at carnivals and at training. Because of this culture we have seen a record number of competitors for the 2020/21 with 197 registered athletes and a few still on trial memberships.
Covid Restrictions- To the athletes and parents also a big thank you for your adherence to the new rules, although it looks different than previous seasons, we believe this has forced us to make changes that have led to a better meet day and better inclusion of parental chaperones. None of the Covid protocols would have been possible without the massive effort put in by Narelle so a big thankyou is well deserved. A huge shout out also to the parents who put their hand up to fill in when they are not rostered on. With the restriction relaxing it will be great to see grandparents and relatives attending to support your child/ren as encouragement is the cornerstone of a confidence.
Training - as it has been a year of many firsts EMLAC has been pleased to welcome training every Tuesday evening to our season this year. The great work by Phil, Chris and Leah has been inspiring and the skill sets the kids are learning through a mix of technique and game play will assist in athletics and transfer onto other sports. If your child is wanting a little more out of athletics or just to have some active fun please sign up on our website, training is free for members however you must register and be in attendance for the hour session.
On Trackers- again another great first half of the season, Phil and Chris have run these sessions each Saturday with the assistance from Narelle and Kath and judging by the smiling faces have done an incredible job. We cannot wait to see them all graduate into the Under 7s on January 23. We are going to run a second On Trackers Program for new athletes in the new year. Athletes must be 6 y/o to compete. Word of mouth is the best form of promotion so please if your child has enjoyed the program let their friends and your family know that we are running another program from Jan – March 2021, keep an eye on our Facebook for details and tag your mates.
Carnivals and Open Days – nearly every week EMLAC has contingent of athletes heading out to carnivals and open days around the state. So far this season EMLAC has had competitors at Deniliquin, Finley, Griffith and Albury with great results, great feedback from other clubs and numerous centre and carnival records being broken by EMLAC athletes. A big thanks to Leah and Kade Smith for the team management and meet day judging they do as well as the entourage of parents and supporters. The new year will bring a flurry of Regional and State carnivals with relay, combined events and Track and Field days all in quick succession. I would encourage all eligible athletes to enter and have go as these are great experiences and a good opportunity to see some high-quality junior athletes. Keep an eye out for info regarding these as the lead in time will be short. Relay training has begun and entry to the 2021 State Combined Events is now open (Link on our Facebook page).
The EMLAC committee would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a safe holiday period and look forward to seeing you all, and hopefully some new faces, when we resume on January 23rd.
Stuart Addicott President Echuca Moama Little Athletics Centre