The 2016/17 Track & Field season concluded on Saturday with the Centre Championships held at Masons Lane Reserve. The excitement around the Centre was amazing, as the athletes decorated their Club areas as well as themselves with added hair colour, zinc cream and coloured ribbons in the girls hair. The early 8.15am start ensured all athletes were prepared, warmed-up and ready to commence with the first event scheduled for 8.45am. Centre President, Maria Downes welcomed all athletes, parents, grandparents, family members and invited guests prior to things getting underway.

The weather was superb and conditions allowed the athletes to perform to their best potential. A phenomenal 401 Personal Best results were recorded for the Championships and 3 new Centre records were set. Nelson Banigo (Eagles) bettered his own Under 8 100 metre record, running 15.23 seconds in his heat. Taryn McMinn (Blues) added 40cm to her own Under 11 Triple Jump record, jumping 9.39 metres, while Rachel Jackson (Eagles) also bettered her own Under 16 Shot Put record with a new distance of 8.94 metres.

During the lunch break, special guest Federal Member for Ballarat and Shadow Minister for Health, Catherine King conducted the draw for our end of Season Raffle. The winner of the Cycle City Bike Voucher donated by Catherine was Vicki Cook. Congratulations to all other prize winners (full list to be confirmed).

At the conclusion of all events everyone gathered for the Centre Presentations. The first awards were presented to athletes for Service to Little Athletics. Keely Rich was awarded her 10 years service while Talyn Dart, Rachel Jackson, Alexandra Boyd-Lang, Bridget Casey, Lara Casey, Taylor Farrugia and Oliver Lidgett-Egan were awarded 7 years service certificates. The Age Group Champions were then awarded followed by Junior, Intermediate and Senior Champions. Encouragement awards and Special Awards were also presented. The Champion Club this season was awarded to the Boomerangs Club.

Full List of 2016/17 Season Award Winners HERE – http://www.bacchusmarshlittleathletics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Season-Award-Winners-2016.pdf

Once all Centre Awards were presented, athletes then dispersed to their club areas for Club Presentations.

Thank you to all members for another successful season at the Bacchus Marsh Centre. The success is especially due to our fantastic athletes and the way they conduct themselves week in week out. Also, our parents have contributed in many ways, not only ensuring their children arrive in time, but willingly offer to officiate at our weekly meets. And finally, a big thank you to the BMLAC Committee who put in many hours both on a Saturday and throughout the week ensuring that our Centre is run efficiently and effectively.

The BMLAC Cross Country season will commence on Saturday 29 April at Masons Lane Reserve at 10.30am. All current members can participate in the Cross Country season as part of their already paid registration fees. Any new athletes are invited to compete, with a part registration fee payable.

The BMLAC Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 3 May at the Pat Lane Pavilion, Masons Lane Reserve, Bacchus Marsh at 7.30pm.