Under ominously eerie skies, in temperatures hurtling into the mid-40s, the inaugural StAlbans Gift somehow went ahead. It would share the day that came to be known as Black Saturday – February 7, 2009.
Organisers could not have chosen a worse day, in terms of weather and the physical and psychic bruising Victorians were undergoing. But after two years spent dreaming and planning the event, the show had to go on.
And it did, in the process establishing the StAlbans Gift, sponsored by St Albans Sports Club and Brimbank council, as a community red-letter day.
The idea for the athletics event was first mooted in a conversation between Henry McFerran (then the sports club’s board chairman) and Terry O’Donnell, committee member of Victorian Athletics League.
But it was the persistence of then general manager Des Bernard that ultimately won through. Once Brimbank council came on board with a grant, the Gift became reality.
The sports club’s present general manager, Bonaventure Tai, said that without the help of the council, the event wouldn’t be possible. And he’s very proud of the club’s sponsorship of the event.
“This is now a big event, with nearly $11,000 in prize money,” said Bonaventure. “It’s a day and evening designed as a whole-family event, with entertainment for the littlies, live music, food and, of course, the races will attract everyone.
“Our bistro will be pumping out good family meals and everything’s set for a great show.”
Last year’s winner of the $5000 120-metres open Gift was Matthew Hargeaves, a win he remembers well.
“The win was a bit unexpected. I hadn’t been running well,” said Matt, a professional runner of about 13 years. “But, when I had the fastest heat time, that helped with confidence, and then everything just clicked. It’ll be great if I get the same result.”
Australian title-holder (Victorian 4x400m relay team runner) Luke Stevens will be on the grass at Kings Park Reserve on January 16 as well, vying for another win. He will also run clinics with Brimbank Little Athletics club, after which there’ll be two races with the kids competing.
Music will be from Trent Hamilton Music, Hogster from Hogsbreath (one of many generous sponsors) will do his thing, and a big bouncy slide will attract the youngster crowd. The fun starts at 2pm.
