Support keeps Blake going

Umina's leading 12-year-old athlete, Blake Vanderwoude, has said that without the support of sponsors and the community he may not have stayed in representative competition.

Blake, who attends Umina Public School, has done well in the past year, placing first in the 2000m at the Little Athletics State Cross Country and 3000m at the Sydney North Regional Cross Country, where he was named NRMA athlete of the meet.

At the recent Pacific School Games, he came eighth in the 1500m. The Pacific Games had 41 Pacific Rim countries competing, including the states of Australia as well as countries including Argentina, Brunei, Canada, Tonga and New Zealand.

Other results this year include a second place in the 3000m at the NSW PSSA State Cross Country, a ninth in the 3000m at the National Schools Cross Country and a first place in the 4x1500m relay.

Blake has been accepted into the targeted sports program at Narrabeen Sports High School for next year.

"As I do not have a coach, this will give me valuable experience because there are two training and coaching sessions per week at the school," Blake said.

He thanked the Umina Public School community, Everglades Country Club, New Balance Sports, Ettalong Fire Brigade and his family and friends for their support.

"The assistance of these people and organisations has helped me realise some of my dreams and has inspired me to want to keep involved in the representative sports arena."

October 17