Ipswich Little Athletics Centre was established in September of 1976 at the Bundamba State High School. With a move to the Bill Paterson Oval, Lion Street, Ipswich came a name change and Bundamba Little Athletics became Ipswich Little Athletics in the 1981/82 season. The oval was named after a prominent Ipswich coaching identity Mr. Bill Paterson.
The Centre has grown over the years, from a humble 10m x 10m shed which catered for canteen, office and equipment the centre undertook the major task to upgrade and construct a building to include a more modern canteen, toilet block and office block. This was made possible by submissions to the State and Federal Governments, Ipswich City Council and Ipswich & District Athletics Club. All contributions were greatly appreciated.
For many season’s now Ipswich Little Athletics has been fortunate to have many dedicated members who have fostered athletics and contributed to the centre to make it what it is today. Athletes from our Centre have proudly represented us at all levels of competition with some going on to the highest levels possible.
QLD Little Athletics Story
Originating in Victoria during the early 1960’s, Little Athletics was developed for children too young for senior athletics. Co-founder Alan Triscott’s idea in 1973, to bring Little Athletics to Queensland, began with several public meetings in Brisbane. As a result of these meeting, Redcliffe Little Athletics was established, with Ipswich being the 6th Centre to form in Queensland.
The Association has 105 Centres located throughout Queensland. Athletes participate in weekly competitions at their local Centre across a range of events. The Little Athletics motto of ‘Family, Fun and Fitness’ highlights that it is a community activity involving the whole family on a weekly basis. Athletes are encouraged to improve their own performances, sportsmanship and social skills, throughout the season.
Each of the events offered is age appropriate according to motor development and a gradual process of skill learning.
Family – Upon joining everyone becomes part of the Little Athletics family. Even though the children participate in a range of Track and Field events, parents, guardians, grandparents and older siblings are involved in many different ways, such as coach, officials and administrator or committee member. Without these volunteers a Centre cannot operate.
Fun – A range of fun activities, such as play training, participating in weekly Centre competitions and participation in various Little Athletic Queensland (LAQ) carnivals and competitions, occurs at Little Athletics.
Fitness – By participating at Little Athletics, children are contributing to their own active and and healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved via involvement in: Outdoor Activities, LAQ competitions and carnivals, Coaching clinics and camps and Training Sessions at your local Centre.
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