It’s been a great start to the season for the Myall Coast Little Athletics team, with 12 youngsters heading to regionals in February after competing in their zone competition earlier this month.

Secretary Melisa Brown told News Of The Area, “Our athletes are improving in leaps and bounds due to access to the new equipment we purchased in the off-season with the help of our major sponsors, government grants and fundraising efforts last season.”

Melisa would also like to give a big thanks to the major sponsors of the Little Athletics Centre, Myall Pharmacy, (seven years in a row) and Tea Gardens Country Club who’ve been there for the past five years.

Brighter Beginnings and Auroras Chinese Takeaway have also given generously.

“We have also received generous donations from the Anglican Parish of Bulahdelah/Tea Gardens and the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Lionesses, which were unexpected but very welcome,” said Melisa.

“A big thank you also goes to Kelly’s Famous Bakehouse for providing bread at no charge for our weekly barbecues.”

The Myall Coast Little Athletes also drew their Christmas Raffle last Saturday at the Myall Quays Village Markets with five lucky winners each receiving an amazing hamper.

Prizes were donated by: BT’s for Fashion, Myall Fitness, Alana’s, Lazy Paddles, Marlin Marine and Tackle, Hawks Nest Sports Store, Hawks Nest Newsagency, Myall Pharmacy, Tea Gardens Post Office, So Lo Prices, Work n Play Clothing, Avon with Danielle, and Katherine Riley Independent PartyLite Consultants.

Melisa said, “We look forward to resuming our competition nights on Thursday 2 February and again providing athletes with a fun and supportive environment so they can achieve their full potential.

“We wish all our little athletes, their families, broader communities and our sponsors a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year.”

By Margie TIERNEY