A tight-knit community and an inspiring display of athletic excellence were on full show last month as Craigieburn Little Athletics Club celebrated outstanding achievements at the Victorian State Track and Field Championships.
Among the stars was 12-year-old Nana Tiboah who won three gold medals in the 100 metres, 200 metres, and long jump.
Patrick Quigley, competing in the under-11 multi-class category, secured a gold in discus and shot put, and silver in the 200 metres.
Meanwhile, 13-year-old Mason Beattie earned a bronze in discusand represent Victoria this month at the national championships.
Craigieburn registrar Victor Kroussoratis was proud of the club’s recent successes.
“We’re considered a bit of a smaller club in the region. We’ve only had a track for the last eight years,” he said.
“We are very grassroots, purely relying on volunteers, and the kids who are excelling have really done well for themselves.”
Beyond competition, the club prides itself on its sense of community and inclusivity.
“Patrick is a multi-class athlete with Down Syndrome, and the support from his age group and the other groups is phenomenal,” Kroussoratis said.
“It’s great to see inclusion across all people’s abilities.”
For Mason’s grandmother, Kerry Wright, said athletics has been life-changing for her grandson, who has autism.
“He never trains, but somehow, he made the Victorian team,” she laughed.
“Mason had a pretty traumatic upbringing, but when he’s out there performing, it’s like a different Mason. The under-13 boys just accept him for who he is, and I love that.”
She urges families with children who have special needs to embrace opportunities in sport.
“Just because your child has a disability, doesn’t mean they can’t do anything–they can do anything they put their mind to,” she said.
Patrick’s mother, Rebecca Quigley, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the transformative power of inclusion.
“Patrick has been with Craigieburn Little Athletics since he was five. Competing alongside kids without disabilities has helped him understand the discipline and focus required, and he’s become a role model himself,” she said.
“He listens to the coaches, he helps the other kids, and just from watching them, he even pulled off a perfect high-jump.”
More than the competition, Rebecca said it’s the friendships and acceptance that makes a difference.
“For him, it’s not just about competing;it’s the in-between moments–kids coming up to him, asking to play down ball, treating him like any other kid. That’s exactly how we want him to be included in society.”
She wants parents to know that athletics is adaptable for all abilities.
“It doesn’t matter if a child has issues with coordination, sensory processing, or even vision or hearing impairments. Little Athletics Victoria has worked to ensure all kids can compete.”
As Craigieburn Little Athletics club continues to grow, now boasting a record 250 athletes.
