DENMAN Little Athletics has plenty to celebrate at the moment.
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The club not only recently relocated to a new venue, the Denman Recreation Ground, in the off-season but, on Wednesday evening, Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon and Muswellbrook Shire councillor Michelle Green unveiled its latest additions – a long jump pit and a discus net.
And, it’s taken a combined effort to “provide the goods”.
The federal government’s Stronger Communities Grant chipped in $10,000, Muswellbrook Shire Council and Glencore each contributed $7500, and the sporting organisation added a further $3000 to the coffers.
Denman Little Athletics secretary Kylie Dennis said everyone was delighted.
“While we received some welcomed financial assistance by a number of parties, we also obtained a lot of support from within the community,” she admitted.
“Our long jump pit cost $23,000 – and our thanks go to the Wears from Muswellbrook, as well as the quarry who donated the sand.
“The discus net came in at about $4500.
“But, the whole committee’s done a fantastic job, too.
“Our membership has grown in recent years to 120.
“They’ll obviously benefit from the long jump pit and discus net; so will the local schools such as Martindale, Sandy Hollow, St Joseph’s and Denman Public when they host their athletics carnivals.”
Cr Green said council was also thrilled to play a role.
“Mayor Martin Rush and spokesperson for sport Graeme McNeill are disappointed not to be here today, however I’d like to congratulate council staff for facilitating, along with Denman Little Athletics, to deliver this project,” she told the Chronicle.
“We’re committed to sport and recreation in the shire, especially when it increases the participation of children.”
Fitzgibbon praised the joint effort between Denman Little Athletics, council and the federal government.
“There’s nothing more important than giving our children something to keep busy – and nothing better than kid’s sport,” he said.
“I thank all the wonderful, hard-working parents and community members who embrace the concept of little athletics.”
The club’s season started on September 13 and will wrap up on December 20.