As the athletes stood in the shed on Saturday morning at 7am, with a cool breeze at their backs, anticipation was high for the start of the inaugural Parkes Athletic (PA) Games. The briefing was quick but crucial, with the organisers outlining the day’s schedule, the require­ments for each event and the scoring process. Over 80 athletes and 20 volunteers disperse to prepare for the first events. It was clear this event would be a mix of competition and camaraderie.

The five events for the day consist of stationary skiing, running, tyre flips, athletic movements, olympic style weightlifting, gymnastic movements and high aerobic output. The crowd of athletes and lo­cal supporters cheers’ echo as athletes in each event and category push themselves throughout the day to their limits, fuelled by adren­aline. By the time the last event finishes late in the day, the athletes have tested their physical capabilities, are thoroughly exhausted yet completely euphoric.

A huge congratulations to all the teams for their incredible perfor­mances and sportsmanship. Special shout-outs to the podium win­ners in each category—your hard work and dedication truly shone.

The PA Games were a fantastic showcase of talent, teamwork, and community spirit! PA would like to thank each of the key sponsors such as The Worklocker, Littles Power, Standen Building , Special­ized plumbing and excavation, Yakka solutions, EM earthmoving, Laura Jelbart Photography and organisations such as Parkes Shire Council.

“We can’t wait to hold an even bigger and better event and look forward to seeing everyone again next year,” said Emma Montgom­mery of Parkes Athletic.

There were over 100 Western region athletes and coaches who attended the 2023/24 Western Region Academy of Sport Athlete Orientation. 

Held at the Bathurst Charles Sturt University Campus on the weekend of October 21st and 22nd, the event marked the commencement of the athletics, basketball, cycling, future stars, golf, high performance, hockey and triathlon programs. 

Saturday started out with a psychological education session by Dr. Gordon Spence, who worked with athletes, coaches and parents to discuss the topics of mental toughness and energy management. 

Dr. Spence showed how good energy management helps build resilience in the face of pressure that can result from performance setbacks and accumulated success. Those in attendance discussed the physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual/meaning factors that support sustained high performance and what choices can help establish positive behaviours. 

Following Dr. Spence was a presentation from WRAS Programs and Strength and Conditioning Manager Dan Bunyan. Dan delivered an overview of strength and conditioning, common misconceptions within the strength and conditioning industry and an overview of the programs WRAS athletes will undertake throughout their scholarship period with WRAS. 

Athletes worked through a series of strength, power, fitness and movement tests with the assistance of Charles Sturt University Exercise Science Strength and Conditioning Interns. 

Media training provided an opportunity for our athletes to understand how to contact and feel confident talking with media outlets and use social media skills to optimise their online presence. With 7 News Central West in attendance, several of our athletes took the chance to practice these skills and gain practical experience in being interviewed. 

Brandon Martin (2014 lone star WRAS graduate) and Holly Simmons (local athlete) ran a mentoring session with the athletics and future stars programs to discuss the importance of opportunities for personal development available outside sporting pathways. 

Western Region Academy of Sport basketball, hockey and triathlon squads all hold their first team training Sessions. 

Upon reflecting on the orientation weekend WRAS Executive Officer, Candice Boggs was positive about this year’s cohort ‘It is always great to host the athletes, squad staff and parents for orientation to commence the WRAS season. It’s a great opportunity for all athletes, parents, and coaches to come together as WRAS sets the scene for what’s ahead with each of our programs.’ 

‘Looking across the athletes in attendance over the weekend, there is tremendous talent throughout every program. Under the guidance of the very knowledgeable and dedicated WRAS coaches these athletes are in for a great program ahead.’ 

Registrations are officially open and cost $60 for tots and $100 for U6 and over. You can use kids active vouchers when registering.

More than just an athletics club. We are about Friendships,whether you bring a buddy with you or the friendships made within the club or other events. Did you know that Little Athletics is for everyone. The whole family can join in the fun, there literally is something for everyone to enjoy and excel. We have 2 upcoming come & try nights in September.

Save The Date: The Parkes Gala Day will be held on Sunday, 12th March. Registrations will be open soon. Keep and eye on social pages for more information.