Athletics for All in North Queensland

The philosophy of Athletics North Queensland is to provide Athletics for All and this weekend’s Championships in Townsville presents an opportunity to deliver just that, with over 700 athletes competing across all ages and abilities.

The North Queensland Championships are the premier regional meeting in Australia with competitors, coaches and officials traveling from the Gold Coast to the Cape and as far west as Mount Isa – a testament to the strength of the sport in Queensland according to ANQ President Shane Watson.

“Given many of our borders are still closed with neighbouring states, this number of athletes reinforces the strength of athletics within Queensland and highlights that the philosophy of Athletics North Queensland in providing Athletics for All, quite simply works,” he said.

“Bringing athletes of all ages and all abilities together in an inclusive event strengthens the sport, and Athletics North Queensland has been doing this for the past twenty-plus years.”

Endorsements don’t come much stronger than those of Olympic bronze medalist Ash Moloney, who started his decathlon journey at the North Queensland Championships at 15-years-old and recently returned to the area to celebrate his success.

“The relaxed competition environment yet championship style atmosphere is something we don’t see anywhere else in Australia. I am still to this day blown away by the support they give athletes, it’s the little things they do that make you feel good and really helped myself and other athletes achieve great performances,” Moloney said.

Moloney’s Coach Eric Brown also spoke fondly of the Championships, encouraging athletes and coaches to embrace the support and culture offered by the event.

“Whatever you do, don’t miss this great opportunity to meet the world’s up and coming champions,” Brown said.

“There is so much potential growth that come from North Queenslanders in combined events ahead of the 2032 Olympics, which is not far away!”

But the competition is not just for aspiring world champions, with club-level athletes of all ages celebrated for their passion and commitment to the sport of athletics in one united and synchronised Championships.

The 2021 installment of the NQ Championships is set to be the biggest in its 64-year history, with participation levels at a historic high despite border closured and COVID-19 restrictions. And with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games locked in for Brisbane; what better time for an athletics Renaissance in Australia.

With the meet just one sleep away, Watson was full of praise for those who make the competition possible in such challenging times.

“To our officials, thank you for your ongoing commitment to the sport and dedication to spend hours out in the North Queensland sun to bring such a high level of professionalism to our sport,” he said.

“To our athletes, thank you for testing yourself on the track, field and road this weekend. May your times be fast, your distances great, and your clearances high.”

The Championships will run from September 24-26^th at the Townsville Sport Reserve, Townsville.  

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 23/9/2021