The meets also cater for people who just want to have a go and see what the sport is all about, before deciding for the summer season of 2021/2022. The program will be conducted every fourth Sunday of the month at the Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre, and this year the club has changed the format a little by adding a few different events.

To start on Sunday, May 23, the only fee that is charged is the entry through Beaton Park Leisure Centre. Commencing at 10.30am, every second round will have two throws for age brackets under 18, under 20 open and masters.

The First Round on May 23 will be 60 metres, 150 metres, shot, walk, long jump, 2 x 200 metres relay for all ages from under 8 right through to masters men and women, with an added javelin for under 18, under 20, open and masters athletes.

Dates for winter track and field, open to any athlete, any ability, any age, are Sunday, May 23 - first round, Sunday, June 27 - 2nd round, Sunday, July 25t - 3rd round and Sunday, August 22 - round 4. Come along to any or all rounds of this popular competition, and join in and see how you go.

The club has also designed a great cross-country program and this too will cater for young and old, with courses designed over 2.5km, 5km, 2km and 4km. An added course this winter will be the Camden Course catering for members of our club and other interested people who want to join in.

Starting Sunday, May 16, the first round cross-country will meet at the Fairy Meadow Surf Club at 10am, and will run out towards the Puckeys estate, with distances being 2.5km and 5km. A gold coin entry is all that is asked, which goes towards awards at the end of the winter series.

The second round cross-country will be conducted on the Roy Johanson Park, Euroka Street, West Wollongong, on Sunday, May 30, a course that has not been used by the club before but will have distances of 2.5km. Both courses to commence the cross-country season will ease athletes into what lies ahead in June.

See website illawarrabluestars.com for more information on each course, and dates.

Illawarra Blue Stars have a great tradition of rewarding their athletes for not only their athletic performances but also their contribution to the club. These include athletes' sportsmanship, Rookie Masters who have taken on the sport this season, and athletes who live outside the area but are strong supporters of the club.

Performance-based awards include Sprinter of the Year, Middle Long Distance Athlete, Jumper of the Year, Thrower of the Year, Juvenile Athlete of the Year, to name a few. The club has changed venues this year and will incorporate the presentation of the awards along with a social evening to bring all members of the club together.

To be conducted at Dapto Leagues Club, members can bring family and friends, and are asked to be seated by 6.30pm on Saturday, June 5. Members can have a meal prior to the evening commencing in the club's dining room, before venturing up to the Sinclair Room. Drinks will be available for guests to purchase. Put this date in your diary and don't forget to come along, you may go home with an award. All members from under 8 right through to masters are all encouraged to join with us in a social/presentation evening.

Awards will be allocated for:

Overall Point Score for men and women for the summer season, all ages;

Overall point score for Masters men and women;

Divisional awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each division from under 8 right through to masters men and women;

Special Awards: based on performance, and contribution.

Athletics NSW has invited clubs to join in an open forum on Thursday, May 6, to be conducted by Zoom. Many things are to be spoken about, so our delegates will bring back more information on the results at a later date.