A sport for all

More than 150 children from across the district were treated to a free sports day last Tuesday as part of a Latrobe Valley Authority initiative.

In conjunction with Baw Baw Shire, the event exposed enthusiastic locals to a variety of sporting activities at Burke Street Park and the Warragul Leisure Centre.

Representatives from the Melbourne Boomers, Melbourne Victory and the Australian PGA were on hand to showcase their sports. Spartan Australia set up a kid’s obstacle course on the day and Ossie’s Tennis Coaching from Pakenham provided a free clinic.

Melbourne Boomers players Penina Davidson, Rachel Brewster and Tess Magden also attended.

LVA project manager David Roberts said the day was designed to increase awareness of the sports on offer in Gippsland and to encourage participation.

He said after a difficult year for local sports in 2020 days like the free community sports day would increase interest and participation in the various activities in 2021.

As part of the Return to Sport program the LVA ran events in Traralgon and Sale during the week as well. Partners with the LVA are holding a number of events in the coming weeks.

The PGA of Australia held its “Super 6” event over the weekend while the W-League, A-League, Super Netball and the AFL will be holding matches and clinics across Gippsland in February and March.

The program culminates with a Spartan Kids race to be held at Civic Park, Drouin early in April.

Winners of the 3x3 Hustle from Frankston, Vincent Davies, Jack Franulovic, Alex Nanette, and Harry Gledhill are flanked by Melbourne Boomers Penina Davidson, Rachel Brewster and Tess Magden.

Melbourne Victory community coaches Ron Wilson and Aiden Brown (back) with participants (front, from left) Eli Parktni, Isaac Kenny, Emma Timewell and Louis Devlin.

Tennis coach Lachlan Pittman from Ossie’s Tennis Coaching gives some skills advice to (from left) Ella Wagstaff, Jackson Marshall, Flynn Kenny, Kyle Hanks, Eli Parktni and Ryan Hanks.

Xavier Moss goes through a few shots with Australian PGA professional George Worrall.

Lochie, Allan and Ella Chandler enjoy some time at the Spartan Kids course.