The Tamborine Mountain Little Athletics club travelled to Mermaid Waters on November 15 to compete in the South Coast Regional Relays.
As one of the smallest clubs at the event, Tamborine Mountain came up against larger Gold Coast centres including Runaway Bay, Ormeau, Helensvale, some of which have over 300 athletes.
The club sent 22 athletes, who collectively formed eight track teams and 23 field teams, competing across events such as long jump, high jump, discus, shot put and sprint relays.
Tamborine Mountain Little Athletics President Hope Kerslake said the relay format adds a unique dimension to the sport.
“Athletics is quite an individual sport, but the relay competition really brings in that team aspect,” she said.
“You see kids from under 16 all the way down to under eight cheering each other on, and it creates a really special environment.”
Mrs Kerslake said competing against larger clubs offers valuable experience and encouragement.
“To be able to compete against the likes of Runaway Bay, who have hundreds of athletes, is a really great opportunity for our kids,” she said.
“They get exposure to different centres, different abilities, and it pushes them to run a little faster or jump a little further.”
She said the event emphasises personal achievement over podium finishes.
“At Little Athletics, it’s not about first, second, or third – it’s about personal bests,” she said.
“Every one of our athletes walked away with at least three personal bests,” she said.
Mrs Kerslake said the South Coast region is known for its strong sense of community and support.
“Everyone that turns up on the day supports each other, regardless of what colours they’re wearing,” she said.
“Yes, competition is important, but at the end of the day it’s about having a go, enjoying the sport and making friends.”
Tamborine Mountain’s mixed under 9–10 4x100m relay team came first on the day, earning selection for the State Relay Championships in December.
