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.