Pentathlon For Little Athletes

Scores of junior athletes looking for a bit of fit fun will flock to Redcliffe's Little Athletics Club for the annual Redcliffe Twilight Pentathlon. Young runners, supported by their families and community, will be paving the way to a healthy future.

This will be the 10th year we run the Redcliffe Twilight Pentathlon for children aged between 6 and 17 years,� says John McRoberts. We anticipate approximately 100 to 120 children participating in this year's pentathlon, with lots of parents and locals coming to watch them compete.�

By Melissa Bailey

The Redcliffe branch of Little Athletics has been fuelled entirely on the volunteered time of both present and past parents for decades. The current centre manager, John McRoberts, says it's his 16th year with the club and his eighth year as centre manager. This year, the Twilight Pentathlon will encourage friendly competitiveness in children, with a focus on family, fun and fitness.

Little Athletics is all about families, and the Redcliffe branch encourages parents to get involved in their children's fitness. The Twilight Pentathlon celebrates family-centric athleticism and hopes to introduce newcomers to the caring approach of Little Athletics.

Consisting of hurdles, 70m, 100m, 200m, long jump, high jump, shot put and discus, children will participate in five set events respective to their age group.

All children under six years will be awarded a medallion for their effort and enthusiasm. It's a really fun day for everyone. It's a time for children to try their hardest but they don't have to win every event. It's more about having fun together,� McRoberts says.

The Redcliffe branch's mission statement endeavours to develop children of all abilities, promote positive attitudes and healthy lifestyles. The Twilight Pentathlon is just one way to achieve the mission, and with the support of the volunteers and community, is annually achieved.

n The Twilight Pentathlon will be held on Saturday 25 February at 1pm sharp, with nominations closing at 4pm on Monday 13 February. If you'd like to be a part of the event, either by nominating your child or showing your support, visit Langdon Park on Mabel Street Margate or www.redcliffelittleathletics.org.au/ for more information.