By JARROD POTTER
NAMED for the celestial visitors that dot the local area, Cranbourne Little Athletics Centre hosted the 2016 Meteorite Gift on Sunday afternoon.
Everyone from Under 6s to Under 16s ran in the Gift format event on the Casey Fields track, with staggered starts leading to a fantastic bunch of sprint finishes.
It allowed the local speedsters – from Cranbourne, Casey and Pakenham among seven local Little Athletics Centres – to show off their skills in pursuit of the first medals on offer for the new year whether in 100m, 200m or 400m events.
Cranbourne LAC head coach Mark Jouvelet said the event was named for the club’s mascots from the skies and is always well received by the locals.
“We’re named after what the local area is known for and it’s for the meteorites that have been dropping around here – the football team have their mascots and ours are the Meteorites to celebrate the area,” Jouvelet said.
“It also gives us a chance to show off the district to other visiting clubs and they get to ask what it’s all about.”
The meet also served as practice for the region’s little athletics stars set to descend on the venue for the 2015 Little Athletics Victoria State Track and Field Championships, held next month at the Cranbourne venue.
“This gives a lot of the kids in the local area a chance to experience this venue as State Track and Field will be here in February – those who want to get used to the venue, it’s a great day to get a feel for the track.”
For more information on Cranbourne Little Athletics Centre, visit the club’s website www.cranbournelac.com.au.
