More than 100 children pulled on their runners on Tuesday and Wednesday for the third Dungog Shire Sports Gala Days.
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The days were organised by a local committee, in conjunction with the Hunter Academy of Sport, and were designed to give children aged between five and 15 a taste of 10 different sports.
On Tuesday the children participated in golf, AFL, cricket, soccer and gymnastics at East Gresford Sporting Complex.
Wednesday saw the kids back in action for rugby league, baseball, tennis, lawn bowls and fun sporting events.
Two of the organisers Sarah U’Brien and Steve Lofts said it was fantastic to watch the kids participating in all the sports and having a great time in the sunshine.
“The first one was held in Dungog in the September school holidays last year and it was so successful we knew we were on a winner,” Steve said.
“In January this year it was Clarence Town’s turn to host the event, but unfortunately the second day was washed out by rain.
“But the weather this year has been simply superb and we saw a lot of the children from the first two events here as well as some new families.
“Each of the sports’ development bodies provided coaches to instruct the children so they were able to get professional tuition in all the sports over the two days.”
Sarah U’Brien said each of the communities helped out with catering with each child provided with fruit for morning tea and a sausage sandwich for lunch.
“A lot of the children hadn’t tried all the sports on offer, so these gala days give them an opportunity to see what sport they would like to possibly participate in,” she said.
“It was a great way to bring the community together and many of the children have forged friendships which will continue onto high school.
“All the local schools promoted the event through their newsletters and they are all feed into Dungog High School.
“I understand that many families may not be able to afford for their children to play sport or take on another one they may be interested in, and this is where CHANCES comes in.
“The CHANCES program has been set up through The Dungog Shire Community Centre to give parents and carers the avenue to cater for their child's needs, strengths and interests.
“The program can support families and children in a range of ways such as covering the cost of registration or weekly lessons for an agreed period of time, or providing the materials and equipment that a child may need, such as rackets, bats, boots and instruments. “
For more information contact Sarah U’Brien on 4992 1133.