The range of recreational activities in Parkes received a major boost last week with the announcement of a rock climbing wall to be installed at the PCYC this year.

“We are very excited,” said Manager Tim Watts. “This will be a great new initiative to keep people active in our town.”

Sam Farraway MLC was in Parkes last week to bring the great news of $82,620 in funding secured from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The funding will pay for the wall in full according to Tim. He said it was such good news for the club following a very strong response from community members in feed-back received on the possibility of getting a wall.

Tim could not give an exact date as to when it would be installed, but said it would be this year. “It will be installed at the back of the court in the main hall, and will cater for all ages from kindergarten to adults. There will be different climbs to cater for a mix of abilities.”

Tim said they were looking at starting term-based classes to teach climbing, and also have open sessions for people of all ages to promote healthy and active life- styles and support anyone serious about rock climbing.

“Rock climbing has been introduced into the 2020 Olympics making this an exciting new addition to the great program PCYC offers to local kids and their families,” said Sam Farraway. “It may even inspire some future Olympians.”

 

Perfect weather and very enthusiastic students made for a terrific swimming carnival for Middleton Public School recently with outstanding champions as a result.

Some races were so close it kept the judges and time-keepers on their toes! Kingsford won the house competition and the ‘Standen Family Supporters House’ trophy.

Hayden Lamond was the senior boys champion, followed by Walter Smeaton. Chelsea McMaster was the senior girls champion with Meg Skinner in second place. Jett Clarke and Elizabeth Smeaton were the junior champions, while Max MacGregor and Aliza Roberts came in as second place junior champions.

The fastest boy and girl over 50m on the day for the Charlton Shield were Walter Smeaton and Chelsea McMaster.

The team spirit demonstrated by all students was an impressive sight to see!

By Judy Fisher

Faith was selected for the Central West 12 and Under Tennis team after trials in Bathurst last weekend. She will be playing the best girls in her age in the Jan O’Neill Cup in March.

How long have you been playing tennis? Eight years.

Which club do you play for? Parkes Tennis Club.

What do you like about the sport? I get to play with my friends and I can always improve my skills. I really like my coach Helen Magill. She is always very helpful and supportive. She helps me improve my skills and be a better person.

What is the most difficult aspect of your sport? When I play tough opponents, but it’s always a good way to improve my skills.

What is your ultimate goal? To keep improving my skills so I can compete at higher levels and to keep having fun.

What is your proudest moment so far? Playing and training hard to make it into the Western Team – we played for a week in Inverell. Also playing well enough in the Junior Development Squad to play in The NSW Juniors Closed Championships.

It’s almost time to take a leap and fly again for the Parkes Christian School Senior Design and Technology class.

They have been busy planning and building their plane that will fly into the Yarra River on Sunday, 8th March at the Moomba Birdman Rally in Melbourne for the sixth time.

For the last five years they have won their categories and learned a lot about teamwork, engineering and the power of flight.

This will be the second year where participants in the school category can raise funds for themselves to help them build the flying machine and develop technology. Every dollar raised for their team will be points earned that will go towards the final score and could help lead them to victory again!

The Parkes Christian School team is counting on the local community to support them in this endeavour and they have a fundraising page at this link: https://birdmanrally2020.gofundraise.com.au/page/ParkesChristian

Donations can also be made directly at the school office on 6862 4164 until 4th March. The team’s progress and success can be followed on the school’s Facebook page.

A highlight on the Currajong Disability Services calendar is its annual All Abilities Swimming Carnival to be held at Parkes Aquatic Centre on 4th March.

Participants from Orange, Temora, Trangie, Dubbo, Cowra, Forbes, Bathurst and Parkes will compete in this flagship event. Last year’s event saw 120 entrants, and interest shown so far indicates this year will be bigger and better.

Organiser Indigo Kriedemann said the day was a real highlight on the regional disability calendar and many were already looking forward to it. “It’s a great event that brings together people far and wide within the disability community,” Indigo said.

“The day keeps growing and going from strength to strength. This year is already looking like a bumper carnival!”

In previous years Currajong has often dominated, however Live Better from Orange got the chocolates last year, despite sterling efforts in the pool by Ian Kaupke and Tim McDonald.

As Indigo points out, the day is not about who wins, but who is having a go, and “everyone coming together to connect and meet new friends and old ones”.

“It’s also a real social outing, and many of us get a buzz out of it!”

To register, call 02 6883 4713 or email indigo.kriedemann@currajong.org.au to confirm your organisation’s place in this blue chip event.

Ash Barty had a great summer of tennis and her tag is #playforyou, so in Term 1 Parkes Tennis are encouraging all teenage girls to get outside, get active and enjoy social sporting interaction.

Research and evidence shows that instead of running towards sport and the multitude of physical, social and emotional benefits it brings, teenage girls are walking away. We know taking a break from the stresses of study, and the screens, is vital for everyone’s wellbeing. So there’s many benefits for joining the Girls Only Tennis Program for 12-16 year olds. They can belong in an environment and culture that is inviting, friendly and makes them feel comfortable. It’s non-competitive, stress-free, fun and social and offers everyone activities both on and off-court with the aim to give the girls an opportunity for social interaction, improve their self-confidence and enjoy some great positive tennis and life experiences.

These girls may have come through the HotShots program a few years ago then dropped out, played at school sport or wanted to play and didn’t have the chance to. Head to the courts on Wednesdays 5:30-7pm. It will run for eight weeks from 12th February and the cost is $150. Great chance to use your Active Kids Vouchers. Can’t find their racquet or it looks too small now, no worries there’ll be racquets to borrow. Any girls who would like to be involved in this group please SMS Helen on 0407 253 888 or helenmagill@bigpond.com