Little Athletics NSW coaching and development officer Alvin Umadhay said he was very impressed with the local talent of students from Merriwa Central School and St Joseph’s Primary School.

“It’s always great to be able to come to a regional area where  students may not have been exposed to a sport such as athletics.

“You can see the children’s minds ticking over, they have a go and then smile when they realise they have a new skill which is very rewarding,” he said.

Mr Umadhay is one of several Little Athletics NSW coaches delivering introduction to athletics clinics across NSW designed to inspire children to ‘have a go’ at the sport. 

“These clinics are really just a taste of what they can expect to learn at their local athletics club.

“The message we try to get across is to ‘be your best’ which is not the same as ‘be the best.’

“If you have a go at an event and give it your best shot, then you are always a winner,” Umadhay said. 

With the weather less than impressive, students from both schools were restricted to undercover areas to receive practical pointers on improving their running style and technique as part of Little Athletics NSW ‘Desire to Inspire’ program. 

“If you can walk, run, jump or throw, you can do athletics,” Umadhay said. 

Merriwa Little Athletics Centre season starts on the second week of term 4, Monday, October 13 from 5.30pm at No. 2 Oval on Brisbane Street, Merriwa.