HAMILTON Running Club has been successful in gaining a grant through the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund to help the club establish the new Hamilton Little Athletics programme.

Hamilton Running Club (HRC) vice-president, Narelle Frichot said the grant will help the centre to establish itself in its maiden season in Little Athletics.

“Due to community interest and overwhelming support, the Hamilton Running Club (HDC) has decided to broaden its athletics base and affiliate with Little Athletics Victoria this season to deliver a Little Athletics program,” she said.

“To commence a Little Athletics program, the HRC will need to purchase a range of new track and field equipment and although we have already received a number of generous donations, grants like these are necessary to support this venture and ensure members have the full Little Athletics experience.”

“This grant will have an immediate impact on our Little Athletics program by enabling us to purchase a high jump mat and offer this popular event, as well as many others to the children.

“Children in the area will have the opportunity to participate in a broader range of athletics activities and participate at different levels of competition.”

The programme will commence in the first term of next year with come and try days and sign-up days to be staged in late January 2023.

Hamilton Little Athletics committee member, Jason Thomas, noted the huge interest Hamilton Running Club has garnered for the new program with strong numbers expressing interest.

“The expression of interest we sent out recently showed approximately 150 kids are keen to get involved, but since then another 50 have been noted as wanting to join in as well,” Thomas said.

“We have had great support from the local business community in boosting the funds needed to set up the program with all the new equipment that is required, and we thank these businesses for their great support.”

“The grant money will be added to these funds to ensure the kids have everything they need to participate.”

“We have all our coaches in place and ready to go as we offer the program to children aged 5-12 from term one next year, but until then children are encouraged to join the junior program that is underway through the Hamilton Running Club on Thursday evenings at Mitchell Park from 5.30pm.”