Kids’ Athletics trial at beach a big hit

UP AND OVER: Thora Pocock, 8, jumps a hurdle at the Kids’ Athletics demonstration at the beach on Sunday. Picture by Liam Clayton

IF smiles were votes, the trial of Kids’ Athletics at the beach on Sunday was a big winner. Gisborne Athletics Club tried out new equipment for younger athletes on the beach opposite Awapuni Stadium.

The IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) Kids’ Athletics Programme uses modified equipment aimed at children. The activities were demonstrated by Athletics New Zealand representatives Catherine O’Sullivan and Gareth Archer.

The equipment exposed children to the skills required in an event, even if they were too young to compete in it, O’Sullivan said.

“Take the pole vault . . . because kids don’t compete in that event until they’re 12, they don’t get a chance to practise the skills of pole vault,” she said.

But with the Kids’ Athletics equipment, they could start to learn the basic movement skills of pole vault in a way that was safe and fun. About 40 children attended Sunday’s taster session.

“What a great addition to what the club offers,” said Vanessa Robertson, mother to Greer and Finn, regulars at club nights.

“My kids are loving this.”

The equipment is aimed at children aged seven to 10 but can be modified for older or younger children.

“We see this as fun equipment for the under-sevens,” said committee member Sarah Pocock, who helps run activities for the under-sevens on Wednesday nights.

“But we look forward to using the gear for the older kids too, to give them extra practice in the field events.”

Five-year-old Taylor Newman said the beach athletics session was “so awesome”.

“My favourite is the hurdles.”

Gisborne Athletics club has the equipment on loan from Athletics New Zealand until it gets funding to own it.

“We think this programme will appeal to the younger athlete who enjoys a more playful side to athletics,” Pocock said. “We want to give them an experience that they enjoy, and that has them wanting to come back all season.”

The Kids’ Athletics gear would be on the grass in Awapuni Stadium at this week’s club meeting tonight. On club nights, when the tide was right, “beach nights” would be offered for the children, Pocock said.

Entry to the club night at the stadium tonight would be free of charge, with racing to start at 6pm. The $1 entry fee would take effect on Wednesday next week. More information can be found on the club’s Facebook page.