Category: Sport

Sport is teaching life skills too

Northern Bay College is celebrating the success of its SEED (Sports, Empowerment,
Education, Development) program which now has almost every student at the school
participating in some way.
SEED manager Steve ‘Stoofa’ Lewry said the program is about teaching students the skills
that they can use in every part of their life and when they leave the college.
“They are the skills that they can take with them,” he said. “We teach them about
accountability, resilience, respect, and we teach them with sport. We have specialised
coaches that come in and train the kids and get the best out of themselves.SEED provides
access to baseball, softball, netball, volleyball, badminton, hockey, AFL, netball.
“At the moment is we’re working on a working on specialist academy for volleyball and
badminton. So that would be an extended program for students who are good at those
sports.
“We have some very talented students. We’ll have professional coaches and will run after
school. Our Sports Co-ordinator Ben Lowery is doing a lot of work on growing the specialist
program opportunities.”
In addition to SEED, a SEEDLINGS program has been created for Year 5 and 6 students
under the guidance of Gordana Krsul to experience a ‘taste’ of all the sports they’ll
participate in when they get to senior school.
“Every Friday, all the junior campuses come together for a transition program,” Stoofa said.
“The rules have same concept as ABC – attendance, behaviour, character. It’s been great for
students know what the SEED program is as early as Year 5 and 6 and has increased
students attending SEED in senior years.”
Northern Bay College has achieved some outstanding results in volleyball, badminton,
soccer while interest in cricket and golf is growing. A new golf complex was recently
completed and is used by up to 50 students each lunch time.
On an individual level, SEED is also achieving and has employed about 13 former students
to work as coaches in the program. Jessie Blackney, a former student, worked as a trainee
after finishing school and is now studying teaching. Another is Jack Hall who has done well
in football and Lauren Kelly, who is excelling in cricket. 

Stoofa is confident the future of the program is bright. “I hope that when I’m finished at the
college there will be a succession plan. Someone will sit in this seat, and they’ll be able to
continue what I do and what Ben does.”
Term 4 events for SEED participants include a soccer friendly, and resumption of the track
club and fit club, including about 23 students competing in the Essendon Gift.

Two long-standing records tumble

Corio Little Athletics Centre was excited to have two young athletes break long-standing Centre records over the summer season, as well as achieving great results at higher levels of competition. 

Spencer McKenna broke the Corio Centre U10 1100m race walk record of 41years, then broke his own record, taking a total of 23.36 seconds off the original record. He then capped off the season winning gold at the Little Athletics State Championships

Over the season, Spencer walked under the original record time five times; four times at Corio, and at the State Championships.  

It took some considerable effort, but the original record holder Matt Bottrell was tracked down and was excited to attend presentation day as a surprise guest, to meet Spencer. Matt also wrote Spencer a letter of congratulations. 

Spencer has been competing in Little Athletics for five seasons and said he loves athletics because “I get to hang out with my mates and do different events”. The Corio Centre is looking forward to seeing where Spencer’s athletics career leads him. 

Sienna Bilinski broke the Corio Centre U15 triple jump record of 30 years, by 16cms. The original record holder, Alison Sezonov, was also located and congratulated Sienna in a phone chat. 

Alison was excited to talk to Sienna, saying “I congratulate her on breaking my record. It is great to see talented juniors are still up and coming. I was very encouraged by her maturity and am confident Sienna will excel in any sport or career she chooses.”

Sienna said she enjoyed hearing about Little Athletics from Alison’s perspective.

The Corio Centre U15 300m hurdle record was also broken by Sienna not once, but three times over summer. Sienna also went on to compete in the Little Athletics State Championships winning gold in long jump and 400m, and silver in triple jump.

Sienna also competes with the Corio Athletic Club (seniors) with Athletics Victoria and competed in their State Championships winning gold in long jump and 400m, as well as travelling to Perth in April to compete in the Australian Athletics Championships placing fourth in 400m (PB), sixth in long jump (PB) and seventh in triple jump. 

Sienna has been competing in athletics for 10 seasons and enjoys it “because of the variety of people and how supportive everyone is and I love the new experiences I get”. 

The Corio Centre has been proudly watching these two athletes achieve. President Marty Sanders said: “Little Athletics is all about having fun and athletes achieving their personal best, but it certainly is exciting when we have athletes breaking records and doing so well at higher levels of competition.” For information about joining little athletics, email [email protected]

Come and try hockey in 2025

Have you ever wanted to try hockey? Or return to the game after a long absence? Hockey Geelong (Geelong Hockey Association) would like to hear from you.

Geelong Hockey Association, based at Stead Park in Norlane, has embarked on a plan to boost its number of players to 1200. It is planning to implement a number of ideas to attract players of all ages.

President Graeme Dent said the association had 1200 players in 2016, but numbers have dipped to around 765. “We want to get our playing numbers back up to 1200 again to make sure hockey is again thriving in Geelong,” he said.

The association put out a call to members to come up with a list of ideas that will help with recruiting new or returning players. They include contacting former players, come-and-try clinics, a come-back-to-hockey campaign, school events at Stead Park and expanding its summer and Monday night competitions.

The association has seven clubs – Corio, Geelong, Golden Plains, Geelong Saints, Hockey Geelong Sharks, Kardinia International College, Newtown and Torquay.  They enter teams in local and Victorian competitions, from juniors to Masters.

Geelong Hockey Association provides a pathway to participate at higher levels for players and officials, with the Hockey Geelong Sharks teams participating in the Hockey Victoria metropolitan competitions. 

The association’s junior development pathway allows players to play in higher level competitions and still play with their local club. This pathway also brings the opportunity for selection in Regional, State and National representative teams.

“Hockey has had a great history in Geelong and we’re proud of our facilities,” Graeme said. “We have a hard-working committee who want to see as many hockey enthusiasts as possible play our great game.”

For more information, contact 0419-590-057 or email [email protected]

Little Aths is sport for all

Corio Little Athletics Centre has partnered with Sport4All through the City of Greater Geelong and has welcomed Travis Zimmer in the role of inclusion coach.

The Corio centre is committed to providing an inclusive environment and is confident the support provided by Sport4All will help enhance what it provides. Travis is guiding the centre to make the sport and facilities more inclusive and accessible for athletes, families, visitors and volunteers with disabilities to actively participate.

Committee members recently had their first inclusion training session, facilitated by Travis, and coaches and officials will also be trained to help the centre provide a supportive experience for everyone. Travis is also developing a targeted plan for Corio Little Athletics Centre to achieve its goals.

Corio Little Athletics Centre Publicity Officer Sharron Colls-McKenzie said Little Athletics is an individual sport, so is able to integrate all-abilities athletes into the program at Centre level, with personal adjustments as needed. 

“The Centre’s All Abilities Co-ordinator works with families to identify the best way to support their athletes,” Sharron said. “This might be adjusting weights and heights of equipment, allowing a support person to run or walk alongside the track etc.” 

Kirrilie, mum of all-abilities athlete Florence, said: “Corio Centre is inclusive and encouraging and provides a safe space for Florence to develop confidence in her abilities both on and off the track.”

Athletes with disabilities wanting to compete at Region and State events need to be assessed and classified by Little Athletics Vic to compete as multi-class athletes.

Another initiative by the Centre last season was creation of a quiet sensory space inside the clubrooms, for athletes to take a break if needed.  

For more information about Corio Little Athletics Centre, contact Meridith, 0412-166-760.

Little athletes need helpers

Anyone looking for a welcoming, fun way to give back to their community is likely to find something to suit them at the Corio Little Athletics Centre.

The centre is recruiting volunteers for its summer season, with roles available in the canteen, coffee-making, first aid, barbecue, coaching, as event officials and helpers, time keeping, race starting, photography, announcing, setting up equipment and administration roles.

The Little Athletics Centre, based at Goldsworthy Reserve, relies on a team of volunteers who are current parents, community members, and parents or grandparents of past athletes who have stayed because they enjoy the atmosphere so much.

There is much to be gained by volunteering – meeting new friends, becoming part of a team and making a difference. Volunteers are valued for bringing their existing skills and being supported to learn new ones.

Several volunteers have been with the Centre for many years and love being able to provide the Little Aths experience to today’s athletes.

Meridith and her son joined the Centre four years ago and soon realised what a great family activity Little Aths is. When the canteen manager retired, she saw an opportunity to use her experience and took over the role. 

Meridith has also recently become the Centre Secretary and loves volunteering “to give back to the community and for socialisation”.

Past athletes are also staying on, building the start of the next generation of volunteers. Jess is a race walk judge and first aider during summer and sets up equipment for schools during winter. Jess volunteers “because I like giving back to the community who supported me”.

Some volunteer roles require a Working with Children Check. For information, contact Meridith, phone 0412-166-760 or email [email protected]

Changing young lives through sport

Northern Bay College captains Jevic Mwenza and Ali Sinawalizada have clear goals for life, thanks largely to their involvement in their school’s SEED program.

SEED stands for Sport, Empowerment, Education and Development. It uses sport as a foundation for creating young people with leadership and life skills, as well as pathways to future study and work.

Jevic is striving to secure a scholarship with a USA college that will see him playing soccer and studying. Ari is aiming to complete a Business Degree and keep playing soccer. Both have been in the SEED program throughout their secondary schooling, and both credit it with helping guide their future pathways.

“SEED is a guide for sport and life,” Jevic said. “It’s a structure to be a better person. My family sees it as professional, like an academy school. It makes me want to be better.”

Ari said the program is “all about opportunity and building character and giving back to the school. Being role models is important to us; we want to leave a legacy.”

SEED, in its sixth year, is overseen by Director of Sport Steven ‘Stoofa’ Lewry and Sports Co-ordinator Ben Lowry. They co-ordinate sports including cricket, basketball, volleyball, badminton, AFL, soccer and athletics both onsite at the Goldsworthy Campus, and other sporting venues. Specialist coaches are brought in for each sport.

The students have access to a gym for strength and conditioning, while a Track Club running every day from 7.30 until 8.15am has up to 60 participants. Coach and trainer Mark McDowell went the former Corio Technical School on the same site and is amazed at the transformation of the school and the opportunities it has created. “I also enjoy the diversity and how they all get on,” he said.

Senior students have the option to study Sport and Recreation as a VET course, which gives them a qualification and keeps them involved in their sport. For some it results in a job at the school, with nine graduates employed in traineeships this year, on their pathway to teaching.

Campus principal Erin Prendergast said the success of SEED lies in its ability to engage students and give them purpose. “For some, it gets them here for the day.”

Ms Prendergast said about 70 per cent of students on the Goldsworthy campus are SEED participants. SEED Links programs have also been established on the college’s four other campuses and play a role in helping Grade 5 and 6 students transition to the senior campus.

Lauren Kelly is another participant who is setting big goals – she wants to play cricket for Australia and become a primary school PE teacher. She’s confidently on track to meet both goals.

Lauren is receiving additional training as a Barwon Sports Academy athlete and last cricket season with North Geelong won a premiership, the batting award for Geelong Cricket Association’s Under 19 competition, was second in the bowling award and was named best junior.

Basketballer James Finnie was considering a change of school before he entered the SEED program. He is now thinking about his future study, which might be sports science or nursing.

“SEED made the difference,” he said. “It gives me something I’m passionate about. I’m genuinely grateful.”

Steven Lewry remains committed to the program and delights in every success. “I’m proud of the students and their growth,” he said. “They have stature in the community and a plan for their future.”

A good time to try Calisthenics

Cloverdale Calisthenics College is looking for more participants to join the fun, fitness and friendship of this uniquely Australian artistic sport.

The group was established in the Corio area in 1994 and has been providing opportunities for pupils of all ages since then, under the direction of Principal Coach Mandy Mueller.

Pupils from as young as three can join weekly classes, on Monday and Tuesday nights, to develop their skills in a range of areas. Together they learn to perform many choregraphed routines to music selected by the coaches and participate in competitions throughout the year, culminating with an end-of-year display.

Calisthenics offers its pupils an opportunity to improve flexibility and strength while learning and performing items that include handling clubs and rods, marching, singing, dancing and items of precision involving movements of gymnastics and the grace of ballet. Pupils strive for excellence and build self-confidence while working in a team environment.

For more information, contact Cloverdale Calisthenics College, phone 0418-559-241, or find the group on Facebook.

Fiona recognised for caring

MatchWorks Corio site manager Fiona McIntyre has been recognised for an important role she plays outside of her work. Earlier this year, Fiona was crowned the 2020 Lady of Racing for her work in retraining and rehoming former racehorses.

The award is run by The Victorian Wakeful Club in partnership with Racing Victoria and aims to celebrate women who have made an outstanding contribution to the thoroughbred racing and breeding industries.

Fiona has several former champions of racing in her care, but it was her work with two former champions that set her apart in the award. She looks after Bart Cummings’ former grand stayer Precedence, who competed in four Melbourne Cups and won two Moonee Valley Cups.

Precedence and Fiona have competed in the past two Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout events held during the Melbourne Show and widely recognised as the pinnacle of the horse showing world. Another of Bart Cummings’ former stars, Sirmione, is also in Fiona’s care and has also had a successful equestrian career.

RV CEO Giles Thompson said Fiona was a very worthy winner.

“Fiona has long been an advocate for life after racing, and has worked tirelessly to ensure former racehorses lead happy and healthy lives once they have left the track,” he said.

“We are very fortunate to have Fiona as one of the RV Acknowledged Re-trainers who support our Off The Track program, which aims to facilitate the placement of retired racehorses in secondary careers and drive demand for thoroughbreds as performance and pleasure horses.”

Fiona said was honoured to receive the award for doing something she loves.

Cricket flavour to school visit

Former Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove was a special guest at Northern Bay College in February.

The event celebrated the arrival of a new bowling machine donated to the college by the Lord’s Taverners Geelong. The machine is a significant addition to the college’s sport program.

Lord’s Taverners was established in London in 1950 by a group of actors who enjoyed a pint watching the cricket from the Old Tavern pub at Lord’s. In 1982, John Darling established the first Australian branch and Geelong became the 11^th branch in 2017.

Lord’s Taverners Australia raises funds for charities, based on its slogan: “Giving the young and disadvantaged a sporting chance”.

At Northern Bay College, Sir Peter, Lady Cosgrove and chair of Cricket Australia Earl Eddings were on hand to see the first ball being bowled by the machine. They joined other guests in enjoying an insight into the schools SEED (Sports, Empowerment, Education and Development) program, with students explaining how they are benefiting from the specialist program.

Sir Peter also took the opportunity to address the 2020 Year 12 student as they began their final year of secondary school.  Morning tea followed, prepared by the college’s senior VCAL students, on what was a memorable day for the college.