Western Athletics is rounding up its clan, past and present, for a 20-year reunion.
Western A’s, as the club is also known, was formed in 1995 through the merger of senior athletics clubs in Sunshine, Footscray and Werribee.
It has become the fifth-largest senior athletics club in the state and has members aged from 11 to 70.
Member and athlete Janice Hodgart said the milestone was a great opportunity to bring club members and supporters together.
“It has grown enormously over the 20 years,” Ms Hodgart said. “It’s a grassroots club where people with an interest in athletics have been able to achieve their goals in a positive, fun environment.”
Ms Hodgart hopes Western A’s community members will join the reunion dinner in September and share their memories.
“Hopefully, it will also encourage people to return to the sport they enjoyed,” she said.
“The club offers training for athletes of all ages and it’s also developing recreational runners. It’s easier, more fun and safer to run in a group.”
A booklet of records and highlights from the 20 years is being prepared to mark the occasion.
Ms Hodgart said a highlight of the club’s history was having athletes from the club represent Australia. Morgan Mitchell competed in last year’s Commonwealth Games in Scotland and joined Luke Stevens in representing Australia in this year’s World Relays event in the Bahamas.
Ms Hodgart took up athletics after a bet with her daughter, who is also a member.
“Athletics is a sport the whole family can take part in,” she said.
The reunion dinner is on September 12 at the Werribee Italian Social Club.
For more details, email westernaths20th@hotmail.com or call Mechelle, 0411 140 561.
Yasemin Talat
