Club nights under way

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

ATHLETICS

You wouldn’t believe it, with the weather as it is now.

But whereas in 2019, the start was delayed for three weeks because of rain, at 6pm on Wednesday night Gisborne Athletics Club members opened their season in ideal conditions.

Just under 100 aspiring athletes turned out at Awapuni Stadium and while the first get-together was about just that — people of all ages and their families reconnecting in the wake of a Covid-19-affected winter sporting season — times and distances will be recorded with zeal every Wednesday evening from now on.

The club — which offers sprints, long jump, shot put, javelin and other events — is in good shape.

Gisborne Athletics Club president Brian Lee said a lot of work had gone into preparing the running track, and the club had not been drastically affected by Covid-19.

Club secretary Graham Wilson said the annual primary interschool athletics day — a highlight in the Gisborne sporting year — was only a few weeks away. Wednesday night athletics gave local children a great chance to prepare for the event.

Wilson said the run, throw and jump programme for children under seven years of age was of enormous benefit to the development of motor skills and co-ordination. It gave children more confidence to take forward into their other activities and sporting codes.