The weight lifting competition was a crowd favourite. Dubbo Crossfit Tyler Edgcumbe.

As the athletes stood in the shed on Saturday morning at 7am, with a cool breeze at their backs, anticipation was high for the start of the inaugural Parkes Athletic (PA) Games. The briefing was quick but crucial, with the organisers outlining the day’s schedule, the require­ments for each event and the scoring process. Over 80 athletes and 20 volunteers disperse to prepare for the first events. It was clear this event would be a mix of competition and camaraderie.

The five events for the day consist of stationary skiing, running, tyre flips, athletic movements, olympic style weightlifting, gymnastic movements and high aerobic output. The crowd of athletes and lo­cal supporters cheers’ echo as athletes in each event and category push themselves throughout the day to their limits, fuelled by adren­aline. By the time the last event finishes late in the day, the athletes have tested their physical capabilities, are thoroughly exhausted yet completely euphoric.

A huge congratulations to all the teams for their incredible perfor­mances and sportsmanship. Special shout-outs to the podium win­ners in each category—your hard work and dedication truly shone.

The PA Games were a fantastic showcase of talent, teamwork, and community spirit! PA would like to thank each of the key sponsors such as The Worklocker, Littles Power, Standen Building , Special­ized plumbing and excavation, Yakka solutions, EM earthmoving, Laura Jelbart Photography and organisations such as Parkes Shire Council.

“We can’t wait to hold an even bigger and better event and look forward to seeing everyone again next year,” said Emma Montgom­mery of Parkes Athletic.

Running and giving it everything in the tank, from Logan Thorpe Fitness Condobolin is Logan Thorpe and Kelly Tyack.

Parkes Little Athletics Club wants to send a huge thank you to Deja Brew. We are thrilled to welcome Déjà Brew Parkes as a proud sponsor of Parkes Little Athletics.

Your support means the world to our ath­letes, families, and volunteers, helping us continue to provide a fun and inclusive en­vironment for all.

We know many of our families love stop­ping by Deja Brew for a well-earned cof­fee fix. Next time you’re in town, be sure to show them some love and say thanks for supporting local sport.

Parkes Little Athletics Club is a is a fun, social and active program for girls and boys aged 3 to 19. If you are not already regis­tered, it is time to register for the Parkes Gala Day 2025.

Simply go to www.revolutionise.com.au/ parkeslac/events/282918 and use the login details from when you registered. In the section that say ‘ticket attendee’ please write each event you wish to register for.

If you have any problem or any questions please message the Parkes Little Athlet­ics Facebook page. The 2025 Gala Day is proudly sponsored by Lindner Bulk Haul­age.

Everyone is welcome to come along to Parkrun, you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.

On Saturday 8 February 2025 Northparkes Oval Parkrun will celebrate its 4th birthday.

Since starting in Parkes in 2021, 1,521 peo­ple have come to either walk, jog or run the five kilometre course and 199 people have volunteered at one or many of its 189 events. The course is now completely on sealed paths making it easier for people to complete, particularly those pushing prams.

Everyone is welcome to join parkrun. It’s a completely free worldwide community event where people can either walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate each Saturday.

In Australia there are currently 514 parkruns and each week Northparkes Oval Parkrun has visitors to town who are either passing through, visiting family and friends or have specifically travelled to Parkes to tick anoth­er different parkrun off their list.

Parkrun isn’t a race, it’s designed to bring people together to exercise, socialise and improve our mental and physical health in a positive and encouraging environment.

Parkrun is open to all people! Since begin­ning, there have been 1,532 personal best times recorded, that is, on 1,532 different occasions, someone has improved their time navigating around the course.

To celebrate Northparkes Oval Parkrun turning four, we’re asking everyone to come along at 7:50am next Saturday wearing “crazy socks”. If you have thought about coming along to parkrun before or are look­ing for an activity in Parkes to meet others and improve your health in a safe and en­couraging setting, get along to Northparkes Oval at the top of Alexandra Street, Parkes to start your parkrun, healthier and active life journey at 7:50am Saturday. To learn more about parkrun, visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/northparkes­ovalparkrun

You can register at https://www.parkrun.com.au/register Join over one million Aus­tralians who have participated in Parkrun around Australia.

Important Dates for Little As Parkes: The first night back will be Monday 3 February and the last night for the season will be Monday 3 March. The Parkes Gala day will be held on Sunday 9 March. Presentation night Monday 17 March.

A huge thank you to Central West Funerals.

We are incredibly grateful for their generous sponsorship of Parkes Little Athletics. Your support helps our young athletes thrive, fostering a love for sport and community.

A huge thank you to Club Lime for their generous sponsorship of Parkes Little Ath­letics! Your support means so much to our club and helps us provide fantastic opportu­nities for our young athletes to grow, thrive, and achieve their best. We’re so grateful to have you as part of our team, supporting the next generation of champions.