Cross-Country: With two more rounds to go, one next Sunday and the last round at Bulli on September 11, the completion of the winter rounds will lead the club into the start of the summer season.

Winter Track and Field Season: The last round of the Winter Track and Field season will be held this Sunday starting with the cross-country run at 10am, followed by the track and field series at 10.30, with events being 100m, 400m, hammer, 1500m, long jump and walk.

Registrations: With registrations now open for the summer 2016-2017, Blue Stars will be taking registrations on Sunday, August 28 at the last winter track and field meet, starting at 10.30am. Orders for uniforms will also be taken to enable as many athletes as possible to be fully organised by the time the summer season comes around. Registration details and forms are available from the club’s website wwwillawarrabluestars.com.au   with fees and dual registration information. Forms will also be available at the meet, held at Kerryn McCann Athletic Centre.  The club will encourage family participation, Little A’s dual registration, and members from under 8 right through to masters men and women.

Opening of Summer: Blue Stars will open the summer season on Sunday, September 18, with registrations, uniform orders and also an open program of events to be held for all ages. Summer season program commences at 2pm each round and members and new members are asked to be at Kerryn McCann Athletic Centre by this time.

Exciting Event: Blue Stars will host an open meet on Sunday, October 9, under ANSW. The meet will be open to all registered athletes, with entries to be taken through the ANSW website, and a variety of events on offer for all ages. Junior members of the club (under 8, under 10 and under 12) will have their own events  in conjunction with the meet, whilst the older age brackets are encouraged to enter the ANSW events. The event will bring athletes from other clubs throughout the state and will give IBS members a chance to compete against other athletes on their usual Sunday afternoon competition. This event will commence an hour earlier at 1pm.  Members are to be registered for this event. The event is important to Masters athletes heading to the World Masters Championships to be held in Perth, while school age athletes will be able to use this meet to prepare for the NSW All Schools.

Masters off to World Titles: IBS will have their largest squad of athletes ever taking part in the World Championships to be held in Perth. Being on home turf, this gives our members the opportunity of competing in one of the biggest events held in athletics. Headed by Mary Thomas and Gianna Mogentale, long-time competitors in World titles, IBS will see many making their first appearance at such an important event.

Congratulations are extended to Ryan Gregson and Madeline Heiner-Hills on their magnificent performances at the recent Rio Games. To make the final of the Olympic Games in our sport is a great achievement, and on behalf of the IBS community we not only congratulate them both but wish them all the best in their next exciting challenges.