Kevin McGarry from Lake Illawarra Little Athletics Centre said the competition will mark the first major individual competition of the season for the athletes involved.

“The progression is from zone to region and region to state,” McGarry said. “So it’s the first step in qualifying for state.”

“We try to instill in the kids that although it’s a big competition, we try to make sure the kids have fun and enjoy it and the parents don’t get too carried away.”

The competition also marks the first time athletes in the under sevens age group have the opportunity to compete against children from other clubs. 

“This is their first taste of the zone championships. They don’t go on any further than zone so they have special medals that are presented to podium finishers. It’s an eye opening experience for the under sevens.”