Club wins top gong
A North Rocks club has been recognised for its community focus with a state award.
Hills Shire
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A SPORTS club has been recognised for its community focus with a state award.
North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics Centre was awarded the 2017 Community Club of the Year by Sport NSW in the NSW Community Sports Awards.
The awards, which honour the contributions volunteers make to community sport, were held at NSW Parliament House on Thursday, June 29.
President Fergus Tilt said the club was nominated for its dedicated special needs group for athletes on the autism spectrum, as well as its emphasis on building communication with members.
“To come away with the win was very exciting,” he said.
Tilt said the club trialled the dedicated group two seasons ago and it had proven successful, with athletes travelling from across Sydney to participate.
“It started with six kids and last year it grew to 22 kids and we’re sure it’ll explode this year,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity for kids that otherwise wouldn’t be able to do track and field athletics.
“It’s run by their parents so there’s the understanding and the allowance and the sensitivity for their needs.”
The awards night was hosted by the Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres, who said local clubs were “so much more than a place to play sport”.
“It is often the hub of the community and a place where people can extend circles of friendship and build social connections,” he said.
“Community sport is almost entirely run by a volunteer workforce, which is unique to our sector.
“Sport would simply not exist without volunteers.”
Those sentiments rang true for North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics Centre, a community-focused club run by parent volunteers.
The club runs track and field events for Under-5s to Under-17s each Saturday at Kingsdene Oval in Carlingford.
“We emphasis doing your best and personal best so you’re only competing against yourself,” Tilt said.
Registrations open for the 2017-18 on August 1 and the first week of competition starts on September 16.
Details: nrclac.org.au
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