11. Athletics
Athletics: complete a track circuit of your choice (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m) and set your own Personal Best (PB).
Athletics is a group of sporting events that involves competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking. The most common types of athletics competitions are track and field, road running, cross-country running, and racewalking.
Athletics Australia
The National Governing Body for athletics in Australia, they ensure the encouragement and promotion of the sport in Australia, while upholding values of inclusivity.
Athletics Australia supports and connects diverse people to engage in athletics including people with physical, visual, or intellectual impairment, as well as those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Athletics Australia is a Member of Pride in Sport and Proud 2 Play’s Rainbow Sport Alliance. They are a transgender and gender diverse inclusive organisation. Athletics Australia has two First Nations programs: Athletics for the Outback that runs clinics, clubs, and carnivals, professional developing and coaching, and Raise the Bar, a 5-day camp for First Nations teenagers aged 16 to 18.
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Athletics SA
Has 17 affiliated clubs across the State of South Australia with a range of membership options for Adults and Under 14s (aged 11 and up). They also hold a 16-week Para Athlete program to encourage individuals with varying abilities to engage in the sport.
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Little Athletics South Australia
Has over 50 clubs across the State of South Australia for children of all abilities, aged 3 to 17 years. The clubs have free Come and Try options for children to explore the sport before making a financial commitment. Little Athletics clubs are an inclusive environment and work to remove barriers to allow all children to participate.
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South Australian Masters Athletics
A program for mature-age athletes, aged 30 years or above, regardless of experience or athletic ability. Like Little Athletics SA, they also hold Come and Try days. The club meets year-round on a weekly basis at the SA Athletics Stadium in Mile End.
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Para-Athletics
Para-Athletics was founded in 1952 and has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1960. Always attracting the highest number of spectators, the sport offers a wide range of competitions and events and is open to male and female athletes in all impairment groups. Athletes compete according to their functional classification in each event. Some compete in wheelchairs and some with prostheses, while those who are visually impaired receive guidance from a sighted guide. Athletes can compete in both track and field events.
Paralympics Australia has a great info sheet on Para-Athletics. Athletics South Australia run a great Para Athlete Program.
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Indigenous Athletics
Athletics Australia provides a great overview of the history of indigenous athletes in Australia. One of the most iconic sport champions and household names in Australia is Cathy Freeman. Watch the replay of her famous gold medal win in the 400 metres at the Sydney Olympic Games.
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Other Resources
- South Australian Blind Athletes Club (information about participating in Athletics with vision impairment from Blind Sports SA)
- Athletics (track and field) students with a disability carnival (Department for Education)