GAWLER’S Little Athletics Centre is leaping into a new year with the arrival of brand new equipment thanks to a $2600 grant from Coles.
The Little Athletics centre based at Trinity College is one of 158 grassroots sports club across Australia to share in $521,000 for sports equipment from the latest round of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.
It is the single largest round of grants distributed to Little Athletics centres since the Coles fund was established two years ago to support little athletes hoping to follow in the footsteps of Aussie champions and Coles ambassadors like Sally Pearson and Brandon Starc.
Gawler Little Athletics president Emma Rogers said the grant has helped get its athletes and volunteers back on track after a tough year.
“The grant has allowed us to purchase new hurdles, shot puts, measuring tapes and an electronic starting gun and amplifier,” she said.
“The new equipment will not only enable our athletes to continue to grow and develop their skills, but will also help us to abide by COVID-19 rules and restrictions.”
Coles state general manager Pat Zanetti said Coles was pleased to continue its support of South Australia’s budding athletes and parent volunteers.
“We know it’s been a difficult 12 months for everyone involved in community sport – we hope these grants will give athletes, families and volunteers a morale boost for the new year,” he said.
Funds for the grant are raised through the sale of specially marked chiller bags designed by Aussie kids, with 10 per cent of every bag sold directed to the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.