Bargara budding athlete Isla Hearn has been named one of two national Coles Little Athletes of the Month for August.
Isla, 13, was recognised for her commitment and leadership at Bargara Little Athletics, where she has competed since she was nine years old.
Bargara Little Athletics Life Member and Secretary, Elissa Wyatt, said Isla was a positive role model for all athletes at the club.
“Isla has helped out in so many ways this season including taking warm up sessions and helping with set up, fundraising and special events,” she said.
“Her contributions really support our motto of family, fun, fitness and show that Little Athletics can offer rewarding opportunities in addition to competing in the sport.
“She is dedicated and has even started her online official’s course. Isla is a wonderful role model to others around her and we’re thrilled she’s been recognised with the Coles Little Athlete of the Month award.”
The year 8 Bundaberg State High student said she was surprised and proud to be recognised with a national award.
“It feels really good to get an award like this,” Isla said.
“I love Little Athletics and I love my club. It’s a reward to get to go to athletics every Sunday and I just like helping out and running the warmups for younger athletes and cheering them on at their events,” she said.
“It’s cool when the younger kids run up and say hi and give me a cuddle. I’m also enjoying working through my officials levels so when I am old enough I can help out at big events.”
Bargara Little Athletics has a history of promoting role models, with Isla acknowledging the people at the club that has made a difference to her.
“We have lots of awesome people at Bargara Little Athletics. Elissa Wyatt is one of my favourite people at athletics. She does so much for our club and encourages me to try and do different things,” Isla said.
“I also had an older athlete that I used to look up to when she was at our club, she has graduated now.
“Mania was about four years older than me but always encouraged me and pushed me to do my best.
“She even ran with me in a parent race when my mum couldn’t do it. I always thought she was the coolest and now I want to be that person for other athletes.”
Coles Little Athletics Australia President Andrew Pryor said it was important to have a national award that recognised kids who demonstrated sporting values.
“Little Athletics is based on family, fun and fitness. We encourage kids to “be your best.”
“That’s why it’s important we have a national award that recognises our athletes’ sportsmanship, leadership, and commitment, not to mention healthy outcomes. It’s not just about skills and achievements,” he said.
The Coles Little Athlete of the Month was open to all athletes across Australia competing in the 2021 winter season with each winner receiving a $200 Coles gift card.
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