Childrens Athletics Must Be Developed

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29366, 19 November 1960, Page 5

Childrens Athletics Must Be Developed

tJHE growth of children’s athletic clubs in Christchurch in the last year is an indication of the way the sport will develop in the next few years and, indeed, must develop if Canterbury is to become a leading province in athletics..

The necessity for suburban clubs and the well-established organisations to provide meetings for children was emphasised at a meeting called last year by the executive body to consider a positive policy for strengthening athletics in Canterbury. Since then the Marist Club has formed two new sections for children, at Addington and Papanui, with a regular attendance of 250 children every Thursday evening. At the same time, the Shirley Club has made impressive progress and now has more, than 300 members. In addition, the Toe H Club is drawing increasing numbers to its Friday evening meetings at Rugby Park. Coach Mr J. T. Cameron, one of Canterbury’s noted coaches, feels that this is the most significant development in athletics in Christchurch for many years. Although the provision of cinder tracks and lighted grounds is a necessity, the need to cater fully for the athletic interests of the younger enthuiasts is more urgent, Mr Cameron says. It must be remembered that the present national dominance and recent international success of Auckland alrthletics was achieved without cinder tracks. This could never have been, however, but for the strength of the suburban Auckland clubs built up since the war by adequate provision for the younger members. Attraction -

The children’s inter-club athletic meeting held annually in Auckland which attracts a very wide interest is a feature which the Canterbury centre would be wise to follow.

A lighted cinder track in Christchurch would be a white elephant unless there is wider interest in athletics here. The interest and participation can only be brought about if the youth are encouraged by providing club facilities in the suburbs.

The experience of the Shirley, Toe H and Marist clubs is proof that the interest is there and the Canterbury Athletic Centre should take the initiative in forming clubs in the suburbs. Those clubs which have ventured into this field have met an enthusiasm for athletics amongst children, adolescents and parents that has been truly amazing, and most rewarding. The value of the clubs in providing not only healthy physical activity but a wonderful example of the adult community’s interest in the activates

of toe children cannot be overemphasised. In the past too much of New Zealand’s athletic talent in centres other than Auckland has drifted into ‘(social sports” or inactivity because athletic clubs and secondary schools have not provided adequate facilities in the residential districts. Would New Zealand’s Olympic medal winners, Peter Snell, Murray Halbertg and Barry Magee, have stayed in toe sport had they lived in Christchurch rather than Auckland where athletics, through the strong suburban clubs, is a live issue? It is an interesting surmise. Prestige The prestige won for New Zealand by the success of this Auckland trio is generally realised, but of far greater value to the country is the* lesson of self reliance, perseverence and purposeful striving for improvement learned by large numbers of club athletes who will never reach such heights. Secondary schools in the North Island are beginning to appreciate

this educational value of athletics and in many it is becoming the major summer sport. Until such time as secondary schools in Christchurch provide more interschool competition for the interested pupils it is up to the clubs and toe association to provide local competition, training facilities, coaching and instruction, whenever there is sufficient interest. The Shirley club gives a really good example of what can be done to encourage children. It is one of the youngest clubs in Christchurch, but if its children’s section is considered, it is probably the largest. Initiative Now a year old, the club was formed on the initiative of a small group of active athletes of the district who were impressed by the strength Auckland athletics

has drawn from its surburban clubs. From the beginning the enthusiasm of the children has been clearly evident. Through this enthusiasm, and the increasing community support, the future of the club can be nothing but bright and it will not be surprising if the Shirley Club becomes the leading club in Christchurch athletics within a few years. The weekly Wednesday evening meetings at McFarlane Park have a regular attendance of more than 300 children, juniors and seniors.

The huge number competing poses many problems of preparation and organisation. Perhaps the busiest officials are Mr C. McLaren the club secretary and the club coach, Mr Cameron, who is most impressed with the high level of natural ability of the younger members, particularly in the 12 to 14 year old section.