Focus on sport

DAVID HALL

Kiama Municipal Council has officially launched its inaugural South Coast Sport, Health and Leisure Expo, which will be held at Kiama Leisure Centre on October 3 and 4.

The Expo will be highlighted by the unveiling of the Kiama Sports Roll on the Friday night at a special cocktail party.

On Saturday, the focus will switch to a free open day at Kiama Leisure Centre, a fun run through the streets of Kiama and the expo, which organisers are hoping will attract about 55 stall holders.

Kiama Mayor Sandra McCarthy said the council was delighted to be hosting the event as a way of promoting the message of a healthy lifestyle.

“We see this as a way of celebrating the contribution sport has made to the Kiama community,” Cr McCarthy said.

“Sport is a healthy activity and the whole community has benefited through sport, building young people with strong character, while the expo will also give council a chance to show off some of our great sporting facilities.”

Rod Wishart has been announced as expo patron.

Wishart started his rugby league career as a junior with Gerringong Lions before joining the Illawarra Steelers and Dragons, played 22 times for NSW and 17 Test matches for Australia before retiring at the end of the 1999 season.

“Having lived in the area all my life it is a great honour to be invited to be patron for the Expo,” he said.

“I appreciate the opportunity Kiama Council has provided not only for me, but also thousands of other youngsters over the years through providing first-class facilities.

“Keeping active is a positive message for young children and hopefully the expo will provide the impetus for sports organisations and businesses to reinforce the message.”

The expo will give local businesses, community groups and sports organisations a chance to showcase their products and services.

Council economic development officer Megan Hutchison said the South Coast Sport, Health and Leisure Expo and the Gala Charity Dinner being run by Kiama Sports Association, Kiama Lions and Kiama Rotary would be promoted as “Spring into Sports Week”.

“We are looking forward to it being a permanent part of our annual program,” she said.

“We also hope that local clubs will use the weekend to hold clinics to introduce children to new sports.”

Carole Johnson, from event managers JAi Events, said many businesses could benefit by being part of the expo.

“Businesses such as adventure companies, fitness facilities, health food providers, health services, leisure activities, sports good suppliers and sport and community groups can all benefit by being part of the expo,” Mrs Johnson said.

The Gala Charity Dinner on Saturday, October 11, will include the re-launch of the Kiama Independent Sport Star Award after a seven-year absence.

Businesses or organisations wanting more information should contact Carole Johnson from JAi Events on 4237 5554 or Megan Hutchison on 4232 0472.