WELCOME
Welcome to everyone. Looks like the weather might be coming right just as we close for the Christmas break. Tonight's programme will be basically the new Week One programme - however, there will be some change at 6.30pm with the 10-14's doing a steeplechase and the 7-9's doing a sack race and perhaps some other Tiny Tot activities. And of course there are those lollies.
RAFFLE
The raffle books should now all be in, with the prizes about to be drawn. Printing of the tickets was kindly sponsored by John Walker Printers, Norton Road.
TRAINING
Hamilton Hawks have invited our 12-14 year olds to their coaching sessions on a regular basis. In addition to the coaching at 5.30-6.30pm on Wednesday nights, there is also regular training at 10.00am on Sunday mornings which I highly commend.
RIBBON DAY
Last Saturday, the ribbon day was at Owen Delany Park in Taupo. The weather was light drizzle in the morning and then warm and overcast in the afternoon. We had 16 children present and Fairfield parents ran the long jump. There was some comment about Taupo's skill about running ribbon days as it is only their second since re-forming as a club - hopefully, they will learn from the experience.
BOXING DAY COMPETITION
Mount Maunganui Club have organised a series of races on Boxing Day. There is a family fun run at 1.00pm (entry $4.00) and a Junior Mountain Race at 2.00pm (entry $8.00). Spot prizes as well as the usual prizes for placings. Races start on the beachfront, at the former location of the soundshell. For more information, contact Ross Hines at (07) 575 9293.
COLGATE
The North Island Colgate competition will be on 4-6 January at Wanganui. We will have a large contingent of almost 30 children attending, as well as parents and other family members. It is a fantastic competition and the pinnacle of childrens athletics in New Zealand. The children have been given training schedules to follow, absolutely necessary if they want to keep up their fitness during the school holidays. We will open the club locker at Porritt Stadium this Thursday night if you want to use the field facilities and equipment. Contact Mike McGrath or Graham Brown for training enquiries or Craig Walker about accommodation matters. Best of luck to all
TRANS TASMAN
Last week, I said that the Trans Tasman competition against Waikato / Bay of Plenty 10-11 year olds at the Papamoa Sports Ground aka Gordon Spratt reserve (the same place as the recent Ribbon Day) on Monday 14 January 2002 commenced at 1.00pm (well, it did so in 1998 and 2000). However, we have just received advice that it will be 10-00am to 2.00pm. Now it means that you will have longer to later visit the beach and those Tauranga friends and relations.
Though the emphasis is on 10-11 year olds, Papamoa Club also organise events for all the other age groups, very similar to a Ribbon Day. You may remember that we have two boys, Michael Fowke and Josh Docos, in the Auckland team. We have been asked to assist in the timekeeping. To get to the reserve, head to Te Puke on State Highway 2, turn left just before the bridge over the railway line, right along Tora Road, left at the T-intersection, and then another 300 metres or so.
INTERPROVINCIAL COMPETITION
The 14 year olds are eligible to take part in the under 16 interprovincial competion at Inglewood on 26 January. If you have not already put your name forward, please do so - all who apply will get accepted. I have copies of the application forms.
A reminder to our 12-13 year olds who want to be considered for the interprovincial competition in March to also put their names forward.
RESUMPTION OF CLUB NIGHTS
Club nights will resume on 28 January (the Monday of Auckland Anniversary Weekend). We always get a good turnout and therefore run a usual night's programme.
FAIRFIELD RIBBON DAY
Our own Ribbon Day is the first of the new year, on 2 February. Other clubs help us to run the day (it is all a return for Fairfield Club helping out at other Ribbon Days). Nevertheless, assistance will be required from 20 or more club parents to help run the event. We arrive from 8.00am onwards to help set up the grounds, with all the officials and club captains meeting at 9.45am for a 10.00am start. Our club is determined to put on a 'good show' and have a well-run programme. As it is our own ribbon day, there is little excuse for missing out - it is the closest one that you can attend this season.
We will also be hosting the Waikato Triple Jump Championships for the 13 and 14 year olds. We have not yet received entry forms for this event to pass on to our 13/14 year olds. Therefore, please tell the Club Captain now if you want to enter and we will make sure that you do not miss out. If it like last year, there will not be any more than seven competitors in each of the age groups.
SEASONS GREETINGS
Finally, compliments of the season, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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