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Published: June 30th 2019
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From Tuesday to Friday I participated as an Official in the Oceania Athletics Championships which were held at "The Red Track" in beautiful Townsville. This is a picturesque track with Castle Hill towering in the background. These are the first Oceania Champs to be held which, under new IAAF rules, give points towards qualifying for the World Champs and so Australia and New Zealand sent full teams and thus this was the largest Champs ever held with over 700 athletes competing from every country in the Pacific. During the four days I officiated at more than a dozen events including Shot Putt, Discus, Triple Jump and Long Jump. My favourites, though, were the three High Jumps where I was a bar judge twice and a recorder the other time. Excellent competitions and very good heights were achieved including a Performance of the Meet jump of 2-30 from Hamish Kerr, a big PB for the New Zealander.
The best part of the Champs, though, was meeting up with old friends. Debbie Strange was there as she was lecturing at a coaches seminar and had a couple of athletes competing in the javelin.We had dinner with her at the Townsville Yacht Club
and then went out for lunch with her on the Wednesday as she flew back to to Hamilton on Thursday. It was also great to see Josephine Pinto from Guam. It was the first time we had met up with her since her husband, Marsh, had died. We reminisced about past times and though she is still emotional she was happy to see us and share treasured memories. Many other officials with whom I have worked over the years were also there and we renewed our friendship. On the last night I was happily suprised when Tatiana Grigorieva sought me out and we had many hugs and a great catch up. She is now coaching and was with the Australian team. We were provided with lunch each day and then had vouchers for a couple of the hotels nearby where we had dinner. On the Thursday night we decided to have a real meal, not just pub food, so we went to Jam which had been voted best restaurant in Townsville 2018. This was excellent. We shared four entrees which were delicious: scallops, calamari with a Malaysian sauce, some chicken wontons and pork belly.We then splurged and I had a
chocolate brulee while Fletcher chose some excellent local cheese. Well worth the money.
On the Friday night Yvonne and her team provided a BBQ back at the Mariners North Apartments where most of the officials and some of the teams were staying. These had been very comfortable, and we had a two bedroom one to our selves. Very modern and spacious and we could self cater for breakfast and after dinner drinks!! The Barbie was great and what a way to finish a terrific week. We were able to say our goodbyes in a convivial setting and look forward to the next one in two years time.
On Saturday we set out about 9am to drive further north to Cairns to see our long time friends, Graham and Liz Boase. I had been threatened by Liz that if we didn't come up there when we were so close there would be trouble!! The drive was pleasant though we went through some drizzly rain and the scenery varied from cane fields to forest to open paddocks along the way.However, it was slow going with much traffic on the road, including plenty of caravans so it was after 2pm when,
following Liz's instructions we found their place and were greeted warmly. Liz had made some delicious soup for lunch and we talked all afternoon and during the next meal Liz had prepared for dinner. Much wine and laughter were had, well into the night. Great friends and good wine makes for a fantastic night!!
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Steve Hindson
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Crows
The Crows have fallen off while you have been away so you need to get back soon. Nice to hear of your adventures. Steve & Sue