Ollie is a natural talent
When it comes to competing in cross country running events Oliver (Ollie) Ryan is a natural.
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The 12-year-old, Year 6 Barooga Public School student took out the 11-and-up Finley Riverina Zone event last Friday over a distance of 3km against fellow runners from Mulwala, Oaklands, Berrigan, Tocumwal, Barooga and Finley.
Ollie has collected a swag of medals over the past two years competing in cross crossing events and taking pride of place is last year’s NSW Age group championship.
Earlier this year Ollie competed at Bateman’s Bay and was selected in the NSW Primary School Sports Association team, and in August he will compete for the ‘Blue Pups’ team at the national championships.
Now 175cm tall, Ollie is much like a leggy colt and taller than many of his opponents, having grown dramatically over the past 12 months and today shows he has a rare talent for the sport. When competing in cross country he determines to get his pace and breathe right during the first 200-300 metres, before focusing on his balance and rhythm through to the finish line.
Ollie is not only a talented runner but also a valuable footballer, playing for Barooga under-14s and in the Murray League’s Under-13s, training four nights a week. Generally selected on the backline, Ollie has a quiet determination to ensure very few balls get past him.
A keen supporter of Geelong, Ollie said he would love to be selected for the AFL Academy.
“Hopefully one of the scouts will see me and I might get lucky,” he said.
“If I was in the NSW team I might come under notice.”
Possessing natural athletic talent, if he can capitalise on this and work hard to achieve his goals. The sky is the limit for this young lad with his two best supporters, mum and dad Jessica and Josh, right behind him.
Lions recognised at 50th anniversary celebration
Two long-standing members of the Strathmerton Lions Club were honoured by their club last Saturday evening at their 50th year anniversary celebration.
The highly prized Melvin Jones Award was presented to Graeme Godson of Cobram.
Graeme has been a member of the Strathmerton club for 43 years and during that time has held most badges of office. Included among these are the roles of president, treasurer (three times), director, fishing weekend chairman, committee member and a number of other roles.
Graeme was presented with a Life Membership of Lions International in 2006 and this latest prestigious award acknowledges his years of commitment and service to his club and the local community. As described on the award presented by the Lions Clubs International Foundation, it recognises ‘dedicated humanitarian services.’
Evan Bourchier, 36, joined the Strathmerton Lions at the age of 19 and continues to be a hard-working and enthusiastic member of the club 17 years on. The club today has 26 members. It offers a break away from his farming commitments and provides an ideal opportunity for him to give back to his community. He has made many friendships.
Evan chaired the 50th anniversary celebration and seemed quite at home with the microphone. However, he was totally surprised when presented with the Christopher August Award for service to the club and preparedness to go beyond the call of duty.
Evan has held positions as secretary, president, safety officer, tail twister, director, youth program and finance committee and greeter, always with a smile and cheery word.
The award is exclusive to Lions District 201/V6 for unwavering services to the community.
Born in Poland in 1911, Christopher August came to Australia in 1947 from Canada to assist in the set-up of Bruck Mills in Wangaratta. Through Chris the Wangaratta Lions Club was chartered in 1956. He went on to hold the roles of president, secretary, zone chairman and deputy district governor and is widely acclaimed for his perfect attendance at Lions over a period of 42 years.
A full report on Strathmerton Lions first 50 years will be in On the Grapevine next week.
BP and the McKays do it again
Rachel McKay, her husband Colin, parents Bob and Jan Willis and hard-working family members and friends have done it again.
At Cobram BP, business owner Rachel and her friendly cohorts hosted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, the most popular fundraiser for cancer research around the country, and from their efforts raised the outstanding total of more than $7000.
All delicious goodies were home-made and included a range of cakes, slices, sausage rolls and party pies.
“It was a great day and we had approximately 400 people come along between 9am and 4pm and many brought along plates of food too. It always just falls into place,” Rachel said.
“It is a lot of work but every dollar raised is important for cancer research and Lowe’s Petroleum will match the money we raised dollar for dollar.”
Will they do it again next year? Of course!
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