After a very successful first half, with five athletes off to the Australian All Schools and one to the Pacific School Games, this success was followed by good performances by some of our athletes at the Treloar Shield.

The all-round competitive form of our relays in the recent State titles, has now set Blue Star athletes up for a very successful second half of the season.

Some athletes will also be making a return to the track after injury and it will be great to see those athletes back competing for IBS.

The club will conduct the Christmas Break-Up Party on Sunday, December 17, and this meet, although relaxed and enjoyable will also incorporate the club’s 60m skins events for all ages, and the handicap Mile again for all ages.

A festive barbecue will also be held so come along and enjoy this relaxed meet.

The IBS will have short break over Christmas (Sunday 24th and Sunday 31st) but will resume on Sunday, January 7, with round 3 of competition.

Then the big one: Saturday, January 13, will once again see IBS host the Illawarra Track Challenge, an event that brings some of the best athletes in the state to contest the state open men’s and women’s 60m and the state title for men’s and women’s 1 mile title.

These events will be supported by the Blue Stars Masters 60m (open to all registered masters athletes) and other supporting events including events for the Little A’s athletes.

Please see ANSW website for follow up details, but this column will also continue to bring you updates on this popular meet.

A four-hour non-stop action-packed  program that is part under lights will be exciting and challenging and will help our athletes prepare for major state and Australian titles.

Following this meet will be the NSW Country titles to be held on January 26-28, here on our home ground, Kerryn McCann Athletic Centre.

No travel, no travel costs, in your home ground area.

IBS is encouraging all members to take part in this three-day meet that will see athletes from all over the country areas travel to the Gong.

Little A’s dual registered members with IBS are also asked to be part of this great meet and enjoy not only the competition, but the friendship that this meet always provides.

All entries will go through ANSW and a draft program will be up very soon.

Some new announcements as to this meet will also be announced by ANSW so watch the info carefully and make sure your entries go in as quick as possible.

A coaching course for all interested people wishing to become coaches, will be conducted on the Thursday prior to the Country titles.

All info is on our IBS web site and also athletics NSW.

IBS are informing all its members of these major meets so they allow for the holiday period and make sure they are available for two of the club’s most important meets of the year.

Watch the club’s website wwwillawarrabluestars.com.au and also Athletics New South Wales.

Good luck to our dual registered members as they take on the zone titles over the next few weeks.