Carrying the torch at athletics
CARRYING THE TORCH: Whitsunday Athletics Club patron Gloria Demartini (centre) holding the Olympic and Commonwealth torches, with David Hinschen, Catherine Welsh, Lee-anne Hinschen and Judi Worrell who will all be officiating at the Australian Junior National Championships in Sydney from March 14-19. Sharon Smallwood / Whitsunday Times
THE Whitsunday Athletics Club held a run and register day at the Proserpine State High School oval on Sunday, March 11. Present at the sign-on was one of the club's patrons and former school athletics champion Gloria Demartini. Demartini was nominated to carry the Olympic torch in 2000 and the Commonwealth torch in 2006, bringing these two iconic items with her as an inspiration for others who turned up on the day.
Ms Demartini said she was proud to be patron of a club that has "great records for past club members who've excelled at their sport".
"I think it's important that all children participate in sport regardless of ability, but for children with the desire to become an athlete I think this is the way to start. This leads them on to anywhere else for their future goals," she said.
Also present on Sunday were four of the five Whitsunday Athletics Club members who will travel to Sydney to officiate for the Australian Junior National Championships from March 14-19. Club president Judi Worrall, Whitsunday Athletics life member and director of officials for Athletics NQ Catherine Welsh and club members Lee-anne and David Hinschen and Andrew Welsh, will all bring a Whitsunday flavour to the national event.
Welsh said it was a big honour to be chosen, "because you're working at a national level with officials from all over Australia".
"We've all had to do training courses and have the relevant experience to be eligible," she said. Welsh said the Whitsunday Athletics Club had the strongest representation at the event of any club in North Queensland including Townsville and Cairns.
"It shows we have well-trained motivated volunteers," she said.
The Whitsunday Athletics Club typically has between 50-70 members from ages four-years-old to 70 plus. Athletes can sign on throughout the year at Sunday morning competitions or training sessions held at the Proserpine High School Oval on Thursdays from 3.30pm.
