THE region’s rising athletic talents were put through their paces this week in preparation for the rebirth of the Mount Gambier Gift.
South Australian Athletic League (SAAL) – which is facilitating the event – rolled out the first component of its regional development program.
Some of the region’s fastest sprinters hit the track at various schools in a bid to qualify for the rejuvenated athletic carnival, which will have more than $30,000 in prize money.
One of these programs was held at Mount Gambier High School, which has a strong athletics program.
The Mount Gambier Gift will return as a six-hour twilight competitive running event at Vansittart Park on Saturday, December 7.
Mount Gambier High School sports coordinator Kerran Wingard – who teaches athletics – said the return of the gift was generating significant interest among aspiring young athletes.
He said 10 students took part in the development program, which was a “fantastic opportunity”.
“You do not get things like this too often, particularly with the Gift coming back to Mount Gambier again,” Mr Wingard told The Border Watch.
“It is awesome for our local talent to be exposed to athletics at a higher level.”
He said the high school had a number of students attend Mount Gambier Little Athletics Association in their junior years, which was a springboard into the sport.
“They have also done the athletics program here at the school, as well as some external training during week nights,” Mr Wingard said.
Emerging athletes to watch at the school included Hayden Crowe, Gui Ros-Smith, Ba Na Say and Jack O’Connor, Stevie Collins and Kate Seaton.
The sports teacher said the Mount Gambier Gift was an exciting regional pathway for aspiring athletes.
“It is about kids believing in their own ability. It is a wonderful opportunity and hopefully a few grab it and do well,” Mr Wingard said.
South Australian Athletic League events coordinator Josh Orken said development programs were also held at Penola and Naracoote this week.
While more than 30 students took part in the program, he said there was limited spots available at the Mount Gambier event.
“These races will be quite competitive,” Mr Orken said.
He said preparations for the Gift were well under way and they had reached the confirmation stage with sponsors.
Organisers are still searching for volunteers and hospitality providers for the one-day carnival.
“If any local businesses who want to bring their gourmet food and drink as well as market stalls should get in contact with us,” Mr Orken said.
“We want a real carnival atmosphere.”
Mr Orken said there appeared to be a buzz across the regional community regarding the return of the event.
The Mount Gambier Gift will be the second richest footrace of its kind in South Australia, trailing only behind the famed Bay Sheffield held in Adelaide.
Mr Orken said the event was expected to attract up to 300 athletes from across the region, South Australia and interstate.
According to organisers, up to 100 competitors will flow across the Victorian border.
The last Mount Gambier Gift was held in 2011 following difficulties in securing sponsorship.
Contact Josh Orken at josh.orken@saal.org.au for more information or to volunteer.
