Athletics Wollongong inaugural winners of the Gibb/Loomes Shield

23 January 2024

Athletics Wollongong inaugural winners of the Gibb/Loomes Shield

At the 79th NSW Country Championships held over the weekend, Athletics Wollongong won their third consecutive club point score and in 2024 will be the inaugural winners of the Gibb/Loomes Shield.

Athletics Wollongong dominated the championships scoring 1419.5 points, nearly double second placed Nowra with 729.5 points. After close wins in 2022, over Mingara, and in 2023 ahead of Nowra, they were peerless in 2024. After slipping to eighth in 2020, it has been a tremendous return to the top.

"The club is very pleased to win the inaugural Gibb/Loomes Shield,” said club President Michael McClelland.

“Our success wasn't just down to these three days of competition of course, but to the years of work prior that it has taken to build our membership and provide an environment that encourages so many athletes to give their all. We were also very glad of the extra incentive that a home Country Championships was able to provide to our members.”

Nowra club’s sustained performance

Another south coast club, Nowra, were also terrific and continued their strong showing at the championships. They recorded their fourth runner-up finish in the last five years. Noting that only the 2024 championships were held in their region. In third place was Blue Mountains who improved significantly over their last three places – 8th, 7th and 13th in recent years.

Local Organising Committee

A 23-hour event over two and a half days duration take a lot of resources.

“We're proud to have helped co-host such a great event, along with Athletics NSW and Illawarra Blue Stars. We hope that all of our guests had a wonderful time in Wollongong," McClelland said.

The Local Organising Committee comprised Valmai Loomes, Michael McClelland, Sue Sundstrom and Ros Perry deputising for Donna Hiscox who had to drop out due to work commitments, and assistance from Adriana Van Bockel in organising the BBQ.

“Help and guidance from the Athletics NSW competition delivery team was invaluable, also in particular technical official Ron Richter who ensured that the equipment was all in order,” noted McClelland.

“Jodie Sundstrom inspired with her commitment to providing volunteers from IBS, that we matched from among our members, parents, coaches and committee.

“Beaton Park Leisure Centre's Manager Jason Foye was also very willing to work with organisers to deliver the best possible Country Championships at the venue.”

One aspect where the Wollongong area standards out is the promotion and support from the local newspaper – The Illawarra Mercury. Dave Ross (Athletics Wollongong) and Valmai Loomes (IBS) have fostered a great relationship with the newspaper who willing provide coverage for the sport.

Athletics Wollongong’s success

What is behind the clubs’ success?

McClelland explained:

“A dedicated network of coaches whose guidance and expertise have been invaluable in honing the skills of our athletes’.

A local weekly competition is also key for Athletics Wollongong, conducted by a small group of club volunteers.

“Their hard work creates the foundation for our success and fosters an environment that inspires participants to reach higher levels of competition. This win is a testament to the collective effort and support of our entire athletic community.”

Gibb/Loomes Shield

The new award, the Gibb/Loomes Shield which was inaugurated at these championships, recognises the 166 years of extraordinary volunteer service by three stalwarts of country athletics - Rod Gibb, Jan Gibb and Valmai Loomes.

Final club point score

1 Athletics Wollongong 1419.5, 2 Nowra Athletics Club 729.5, 3 Blue Mountains Athletics Club 546, 4 Mingara Regional Athletics Club 449, 5 Illawarra Blue Stars Athletics 427, 6 Wallsend RSL Athletic Club 381, 7 Gosford Allstars Athletics 339, 8 Kembla Joggers 251, 9 Eastlakes Athletics Centre 235.5, 10 Macquarie Hunter Athletics 226, 11

Orange Little Athletics Club 205, 12 Dubbo Athletics Club 165, 12 Newcastle Runners 165, 14 NSW Masters Athletics 164.5, 15 Orange Runners Club 143, 16 Maitland Senior and Little Ath 142, 17 Temora Athletics Club 135.5, 18

Cardiff and District Little Athletics 122.5, 19 Adamstown New Lambton 120.

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Athletics Wollongong