2021Presentation Day

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NRCLAC Presentation Day was held on Sunday at Murray Farm PS.

I was honoured to welcome our distinguished guests:

• Councillor Andrew Jefferies, City of Parramatta Council
• North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics Centre Life Members: Tony Kish, Mary O’Byrne, Glenys Atkins, Peter Blackett, Martin Horwood, Jan Andrews, and Garry Dennis.
• Committee Members
• Athletes, families, and friends

North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics Centre’s Presentation Day is a time for celebrating the achievements of our club and our athletes, as well as publicly acknowledging the fantastic volunteers that make it all possible. 

This time last year, COVID was just kicking off, forcing the last-minute cancellation of State Championships and our Presentation Day. COVID rolled on, shortening this season by a couple of weeks, our membership numbers were limited, Zone and Regional Championships were cancelled, and we couldn’t do any of the more social activities at the oval. 

Considering these COVID restrictions, I think we still had a successful season. We had 387 athletes achieve 6,361 PBs, which is similar to 2019 season. Our athletes broke 56 records, which is itself a record, the most ever in a season. Despite our reduced numbers, our average attendance was actually higher than last season. We had 36 athletes represent the club at State Championships, which is a record, bringing home 11 medals, which is a great result.

A successful season doesn’t happen without a lot of work from a lot of good people. On behalf of the Committee, I’d like to thank our Age Managers, Coaches, Starters, Timekeepers, Qualified Officials, Canteen Managers, BBQ chef, Team Mangers, Photographer, and Data Manager.

In particular, I’d like to thank our Committee for all their work. Some notable achievements this season:

We’ve grown the Committee to 17 energetic members, and I’m confident they’re a vibrant group that will see the Club strengthen in seasons to come. 

• We’re in a strong financial position through new sponsorships and grant money.
• We have refreshed a lot of equipment this year, meaning our athletes have the best of everything.
• We qualified new Coaches through the Introduction to Coaching Course.
• We qualified all our Age Managers through Level 1 Officiating courses.
• We raised $400 in gold coin member donations for the Clontarf Foundation, an indigenous education charity.

I’d like to acknowledge the history of the club and express appreciation for the ongoing support and contributions of our Life Members. Thank you.

I’d like to thank our sponsors for their ongoing support:

• Carlingford Bowling Club
• Physio Fitness Castle Hill
• The Athlete’s Foot
• The Vikings Sports Club
• Johnston’s Transport
• Carlingford Gourmet Pizza
• Baker Crescent Meats
• And thank you to Coles Carlingford Court for supplying produce for the BBQ on the day

We value these relationships, thank them for their contribution, and are pleased to have them as members of our community.

As a club, we have been very fortunate to have dedicated people who’ve gone above and beyond as volunteers. On behalf of the Committee, and the Club, it was my honour to present the following people with Merit Awards for Outstanding Service to North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics Centre:

• Annika Tilt
• Carwyn Potbury
• Shannon Kavanagh 
• Adam Price 
• Joe Shahla
• Philipa Gately

Annika, Carwyn, Shannon, Adam, Joe, and Pip have been great friends of North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics Centre. Thank you. Carwyn, Shannon, (and myself) have also been nominated for Life Membership, to be voted on at our 2021 AGM.

Presentation Day is a celebration of results. However, it really doesn’t matter whether we win or lose. More importantly, what makes North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics successful, is the time we get to spend together, the community we build, and the friendships we make on the way. Thank you for coming together as a community.

Fergus Tilt
​NRCLAC President

SUMMARY OF AWARD WINNERS