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News Letter
News Letter for the 28th January 2002
TO ALL FAMILIES 28th January 2002

WELCOME
Welcome back to everyone after the Christmas holidays. Including tonight, we have eight more nights of athletics through to the 18 March (first Monday after the end of daylight saving). Looks like the weather might be as changeable as prior to Christmas but so far we haven't needed to cancel any nights this season. Tonight's programme will be the Week Two programme, with the Tiny Tots having their obstacle night.

COLGATE GAMES
The North Island Colgate Games was on 4-6 January at Wanganui. We had a 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. We had a good spot in the large grandstand and the all-weather track provided some fantastic competition. We came home with five golds, two silvers, and seven bronze medals (the 10-14 year olds), as well as various pennants for the 7-9 year olds, the competition ribbons, and the thrill of competing in an event with 1200 children. One of our boys also had his photo in the local newspaper.

But even Wanganui can't guarantee fantastic morning weather. The march past on the Friday morning was halted because of the rain (at least it made the opening speeches quite short) but the afternoons were fine. Mike McGrath and Graham Brown ran the team and made sure that everyone was at their event at the right time - so while parents were able to go back and forth as required, Mike and Graham did not see any of Wanganui's attractions. Craig Walker had found us excellent accommodation only 20 minutes walking time from the track, and the children loved the swimming pool. Thanks also to those club parents who operated the barbecue and made dinner for everyone at night.

Frank Holcroft, the Club Captain, has also asked that everyone bring their medals and pennants and ribbons for a team photo next Monday night

SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND CARWASH
On Sunday 13 January several club families worked all day at the Hillcrest Warehouse selling sausages and washing cars. This raised more than $400 for the club.

TRANS TASMAN
The Trans Tasman competition against Waikato / Bay of Plenty 10-11 year olds at the Papamoa Sports Ground was scheduled for Monday 14 January 2002. We arrived on time, but the Australian team officials wouldn't let their team off the bus (something about the light rain on a grass track). So they all went off the pictures. However, New Zealand children are made of sterner stuff and Papamoa ran almost the full programme, just like a Ribbon Day, from 10.30am-1.30pm. Then the Australians had the cheek to arrive back for their lunches (as per the contract with Papamoa). Talk of underarm bowling all over again.

INTERPROVINCIAL COMPETITION
We had five club members (Aata Wairepo, Patricia Ross, Tere Teinakore, Aaron Woolley, and Luke Bunyan) as part of the Waikato team at the North Island under-16 interprovincial competition at Inglewood on Saturday. By all accounts, they had a good time - competition on the Saturday, disco on Saturday night, and returning home last night. It is hard work for 14 year olds to compete against 15 and 16 year olds but the team finished fourth overall.

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.

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 this Wednesday night (specialist training is Triple Jump and Javelin), there is also regular training at 10.00am on Sunday mornings.

FAIRFIELD RIBBON DAY
Our own Ribbon Day is on this Saturday, 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. Last year, there was an attendance of 250 children in the poor weather but the usual attendance is about 320 children on a fine day. Ladies a plate please for the officials lunches.

We are hosting the Waikato Triple Jump Championships for the 13 and 14 year olds. Therefore, please tell the Club Captain now (tonight) if you want to enter. If it like last year, there will not be any more than seven competitors in each of the age groups. If you know any 13 or 14 year olds who might be interested but are not here tonight, tell us and we will give them a ring.

A reminder to the Committee - there will be a committee meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the ribbon day.

The Ribbon Day on 9 February is at Te Aroha, and a map will be included with next week's newsletter.

WAIKATO CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Waikato Championships [of 9 March] is the culmination of the 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 four best in each event passing through to the Waikato Championships.

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