Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!
News Letter
News Letter for the 3rd December 2001
TO ALL FAMILIES 3rd December 2001

WELCOME
Welcome to everyone. At the time of writing, the weather forecast does not seem to be that good, but because of the all-weather track it is unlikely that club night would be cancelled unless there was very bad weather. As others of the past will know, we still arrange some sort of programme.

COLGATE GAMES
As stated last week, we have 29 children going to the North Island Colgate Games of 4-6 January at Wanganui, with about 36 people travelling on the bus. Last week, there was still some spare accommodation so if anyone wants to add a family member to the trip please see Craig Walker at the office.

RAFFLE
The club has organised its own raffle, something we have not been required to do in the past but now needed to do to help club travel funds and pay for the increased charges at Porritt Stadium [the $2000 bill has just arrived]. The tickets are not expensive, the prizes are gift vouchers for The Warehouse at Hillcrest, and it will be drawn before Christmas. Please support it. John Walker Printers, Norton Road, kindly sponsored printing of the tickets.

TRAINING
Hamilton Hawks have invited our 12-14 year olds to their coaching sessions on a regular basis. This Wednesday, from 5.30pm onwards, they will be having a full training night and not changing at 6.30pm for their own competitions. There is also regular training at 10.00am on Sunday mornings which I highly commend.

CLUB PROGRAMME
The programme has been amended tonight to give everyone some practice at relay training. This means that the 10-14 year will be on the track from 5.30-6.00pm and the 7-9 year olds will be having their practice from 6.30-7.00pm.

There are entry forms at the office for anyone wanting to enter the Walk Championship at the relay championship. The 12-year-olds do 1000 metres and the 13-14 year olds do 1500 metres

Last Thursday, we had an excellent turnout for relay practice. This Thursday, be here at 5.30pm for the final relay practice. This is one event where practice does make perfect.

TRANS TASMAN
Last week, we congratulated Michael Fowke and Joshua Docas on being selected for the Auckland Trans Tasman team to compete against New South Wales in January. On Monday 14 January (during the holidays) the Australian team visits Tauranga. Part of that visit is a competition against Waikato / Bay of Plenty 10-11 year olds at the Papamoa Sports Ground (the same place as the recent Ribbon Day). Though the emphasis is on the 10-11 year olds, Papamoa Club also organise events for all the other age groups. The competion commences at 1.00-1.30pm (depends on when the Aussies' buses arrive) and finishes before 4.00pm.

COACH EDUCATION
The long jump / triple jump course will be at Porritt Stadium on 9 December [this Sunday]. Even if you do not have a Level 1, the club will subsidise you so that it is $15.00 for everyone. For confirmation / more information, contact Don Willoughby at 827 8051 / 025 757 523.

RIBBON DAY
Last Saturday, the Ribbon Day was at Paeroa. We had 20 children present, and Fairfield parents did timekeeping, judging, and assisted at the high jump. The weather was very poor in the morning with showers and drizzle, and the children would compete and then go back under shelter. The afternoon was much better, overcast and warm. Fairfield Club was the runner-up (to Paeroa) in the points trophy for field events.

On 15 December, the relay day is at Owen Delany Park in Taupo. A map will be supplied with next week's newsletter.

RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS
This Saturday is the Waikato / Bay of Plenty Relay Championships at Porritt Stadium. This is a huge day with up to 400 children present. Fairfield will be setting up the grounds, running the shop, and assisting where needed. Therefore, we need assistance from 8.30am onwards to set things up..

We want the children at the club tent before 10.00am. This will help us confirm our teams and make adjustments where necessary, arrange and check club uniforms (and give out spares for the day), and ensure that correct age flashes are sewn on. The medley relays are in the morning and the 4x100 relays in the afternoon. For most, this is the most exciting day of the athletics year, club against club.

It is not just a day of relay competitions. There are also other field events throughout the day, but not the full range or number of attempts that might be allowed at a Ribbon Day. Therefore, the children will not be bored just competing in one or two relays and nothing else - they will also enjoy the rest of the day as well. The final relay is scheduled for 3.30pm.

If you have been selected for a team and circumstances at any time make you unavailable for next Saturday, please let us know as soon as possible - ring Frank Holcroft, Club Captain, at 855 0678 or Craig Walker at 847 0870.

Cliff Thomas
Club President

THE BARBECUE IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY THE 'MAD BUTCHER', CHARTWELL SQUARE. FRIENDLY STAFF, A WIDE SELECTION OF GOODS, AND THEY PROVIDE EXCELLENT SAUSAGES TOO