Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, with Armidale Amateur Athletics athletes Andre Cooper and Sienna Dellow inside the Harris Park clubhouse where the new training equipment will be installed.
Thursday, 4 June 2020
DISASTERS like drought, bushfire or pandemic will no longer get in the way of Armidale Amateur Athletics’ training schedule, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $5,000 State Government grant to purchase indoor training equipment for its clubhouse at Harris Park.
Mr Marshall said by purchasing its own equipment, club members would enjoy more flexible training options.
“The past 18 months have been a real struggle for Armidale’s athletes, with the drought hardening training surfaces, bushfire smoke causing breathing difficulties and coronavirus ruling out any competition,” Mr Marshall said.
“To ensure environmental factors pose less of an issue in future, the club will use this grant to buy non-impact indoor fitness equipment including a treadmill, rowing machine and exercise bike.
“Armidale Amateur Athletics has between 70 and 100 athletes on the books at any time, and this equipment will increase the amount of different training opportunities the club can offer indoors and out of the elements.”
Armidale Amateur Athletics Coach Jay Stone said the equipment would make the club more self-sufficient.
“During the bushfires, our club had to beg to borrow equipment from other organisations, we were very lucky Sport UNE loaned us a treadmill to try and keep our athletes in routine,” Mr Stone said.
“Having our own indoor fitness equipment will take away that pressure and ensure club athletes still have an opportunity to train, if it is unsafe to do so outdoors.
“It will also support our goal to have a rehab centre at Harris Park, so injured athletes can come in, do their exercises and stay connected with other athletes and coaches.
“With the cold weather here, as soon as we have this money in the account we will be making purchases so athletes can train comfortably during winter.
“I want to say a big thank you to Adam and the State Government.
“The club has applied for several grants for this equipment in the past few years, and to finally have one secured has really given everyone something to look forward to, post COVID-19.”