Former and current members took a trip down memory lane, with plenty of stories shared by those who have been involved over the 50 years.
Deniliquin was one of first clubs to be part of NSW Little Athletics which was officially formed on December 8, 1970.
Deniliquin Little Athletics’ first competition day was November 1, 1970, with 400 registered members.
There were four inter town clubs with each club having its own committee with president, secretary and all other positions.
President Leanne Mulham said that it would not be possible for the club to celebrate 50 years if it was not for all past and present volunteers.
‘‘The fact that Deniliquin Little Athletics Club is still running after 50 years is not only due to the parents and carers bringing athletes each week but also the countless hours put in by the committee,’’ she said.
‘‘We thank this dedicated group of parent volunteers who had the foresight to see the virtues of athletics not only teaching our youth new skills but the health and social benefits.’’
The founding committee was formed under presidency of Alan Graham, secretary Mrs Wharton, treasurer Ian Auld, publicity officer Marie Chamberlain, registrar Mrs D McDonnell, area manager Peter Frylink, recorder Peter Meadowcroft, canteen manager Mary Hussey, equipment officers Laurie O’Sullivan and William Kingston, cross country organiser Max Huddle, coaches David Hoff and Bernice Basford and committee member Ray Barnett.
While everyone who has been on DLAC committee has played a crucial role over the past 50 years, some have been fortunate and have been acknowledged with life membership with the club.
These include Alan Graham, Ray Quayle, Sue Buckley, Ken Greaves, Pam McGee, Sarah Young, Annie Romanin, Robert and Rhonda Nevinson and last year Leanne and Geoff Mulham.
‘‘Reviewing who has been on the various committees over the last five decades there are some names that appear for many years and deserve acknowledgement for their dedication to the club, including Alan and Erna McKay, Ken Menser, Jim and Heather Rose, David McGee, Janet Holmberg and Ruth Dunn,’’ Mulham said.
‘‘While Deniliquin LAC has endless examples of past members now bringing their own children to Deni Little Athletics, the McKay family deserve special mention.
Craig McKay competed for the club in late 1970s and early 80s with his brother and sister while their father Alan McKay was president in 1978, 1979 and 1982 and zone co-ordinator.
Erna McKay was treasurer in 1978 and then secretary in 1981 and 1982.’’
Craig followed in his father’s footstep and was president from 2006 to 2008 while his own children got to experience the joy of athletics.
After reflecting on the past, Mulham said the current crop of volunteers also deserve plenty of recognition.
‘‘A special thank you goes to our current committee who were determined not to let COVID-19 stop our 50 year celebrations,’’ she said.
‘‘While we have had to make adjustments we are all rewarded by the happy group of athletes who attend each week excited that they have achieved a new personal best.
‘‘We hope that parents understand that various community sporting clubs need more involvement than just turning up each week for them to succeed and be part of our community for our future generations.’’
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