WELCOME
This is the second night of the New Year. Welcome back to all those who were not at the Anniversary Monday club night. A copy of last weeks newsletter (which includes information about the Colgate Games) is available at the sausage sizzle.
COLGATE GAMES
There will be a team photo tonight of those who attended the Colgate Games - more information about that later.
FAIRFIELD RIBBON DAY
Well, that was a big effort for our own Ribbon Day on Saturday. We had 55 children taking part out of the total of 214 children from 17 clubs present, the number being much lower than expected because some clubs had not yet started after Christmas and passed the word around. Thanks to all the other clubs helped us to run the day as it cannot be done without their assistance. Former club officials also helped to make the day a great success. I hope that the newer children appreciate their ribbons and get an understanding about what happens at ribbon days.
At least the day was fine. The competition part of the Ribbon Day started on time at 10.00am and finished at 3.30pm. However, the preparation did require people to be here at 7.00am to start setting up the grounds and the shop and the sausage sizzle, and we didn't finish tidying up until 4.30pm. There was a lot of work put in behind the scenes by the Club Committee and some other parents.
TRIPLE JUMP COMPETITION
As part of our Ribbon Day, there was the Waikato Triple Jump Championships for the 13 and 14 year olds. Congratulations to Aata Wairepo who came third in the 14-year Girls competition.
PORRITT CLASSIC
This Wednesday is 6 February (Waitangi Day). A track and field meeting known as the Porritt Classic will be held at the stadium. It is the sixth round of the Athletics New Zealand Bartercard Series. This meeting includes top New Zealand athletes who are also training up for Commonwealth Games selection. It will be the best collection of adult athletes this year at Porritt Stadium.
There will be events for children as part of this meeting. At 5.15pm, there are the 60-metre sprints for 5-13 year olds and from 6.40-7.00pm there are medley relays. Turn up in club uniform and be part of this meeting. We will also be running a barbecue to help support club funds.
TRAINING
Hamilton Hawks have invited our 12-14 year olds to their coaching sessions on a regular basis. Because of the Porritt Classic there will not be any training this Wednesday night but there will be the regular training at 10.00am on Sunday mornings.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
The club championships are held on club nights over a four-week period. From next week onwards, certain events will be a championship event. Only children who were enrolled prior to Christmas will be eligible for club trophies.
WAIKATO CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Waikato Championships on the 9th of March is the culmination of competition for the season. But entry has to be by way of one of the four Area Championships. Our area championships (with five other clubs) are at Cambridge on 23 February. Children can enter only four events, as shown on the entry form. The 13 and 14 year olds have direct entry but for the 7-12 year olds it is the four best in each event that will pass through to the Waikato Championships. All entries have to be in by the next club night (11th of February).
SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND CARWASH
On Sunday 13 January several club families raised more than $400 for the club by selling sausages and washing cars at the Hillcrest Warehouse. Another day is planned for Sunday 24 February - if we have enough helpers, we will be able to work in rosters. Please give your names to Craig Walker.
RIBBON DAY
This Saturday, the Ribbon Day is at Herries Park in Te Aroha. It is a small ground and we will not be able to take the club tent - therefore, bring a sun umbrella. We congregate just south of the small grandstand. Take your children to the pools at the end of the day.
On 16 February, the Bellevue/Greerton Ribbon Day will be at Tauranga Domain - a map will be with next week's newsletter.
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