By Jonty Ralphsmith
Australian Olympic Gold Medallist Sally Pearson made an appearance at the Cockatoo Little Athletics Club on Saturday.
Pearson was at Cockatoo as part of the Coles Little Athletics Community Round, inspiring the young athletes on a momentous day for the club.
In addition to sharing training tips and nutritional advice, Pearson took the kids on in banana themed races and games, as well as delivering new equipment to centres that have recently received funding from the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.
“It’s huge because it’s giving the kids an understanding that Olympians are real people and they can aspire to be like them,” club president Craig Appleby said.
“Sally is down to earth and lovey and was so generous with her time so hopefully lots of kids in five to 10 years will be either doing similar things or giving it their best in whatever they’re doing.”
The 2012 Olympic champion has been an ambassador for seven years, interacting with the athletes, signing autographs and taking photos after sharing insight during the events.
“Part of the ambassadorship is to promote healthy living and healthy eating,” Pearson said.
“I’m showing them what it’s like to be an athlete and to make sure they live healthy and happy lives.
“The most important thing is to remain having fun more than anything.
“I started out at a little athletics club and built myself through it and enjoyed the friendships along the way.
“It’s about trying every event you can in Little Athletics because you never know where you’ll end up.
“This is a participation sport more than anything so we really love our grassroots sport and this is where it starts really and it’s where you build your love for the sport as well.
“It’s important to keep this going and keep the kids involved because this is what makes athletics.
“I remember when I first started doing little athletics in under-11s and I didn’t know anything about the sport so learning all those foundation events is such a rewarding thing to do.”
Pearson was full of praise for the club.
“This is a real surprise, its’ a real eye opener being from the Gold Coast in country Victoria and seeing how these clubs work in remote areas,” she said.
“Everyone is so involved, enthusiastic and motivated and it has been a brilliant club.”
Cockatoo Little Athletics Club was established in 1985 and has been on a gradual growth since, with the current participation numbers at the highest point since the pandemic.
“We try to get everyone involved given we’re a small club,” Appleby said.
“The vibe down here is really cool and we have a great setting.
“The community support is pivotal to making us run.
“We’re growing so come on down if you’re keen.”
