Echuca-Moama Athletics president Kate Downward, multi class athletes Paislee Walker, Conna Wilcox, Reese Tubriady, and Mia Sipriani, and coach Sandy Kadri. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Echuca-Moama is currently the home of the leading multi-class athlete program in Victoria.
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Echuca-Moama Athletics’ offering is currently in its second season, but has already gained notable recognition.
Last month, EMA received the Little Athletics Victoria Centre Inclusion Award for starting a come and try program for children with a disability.
Downward and Kadri with the Little Athletics Victoria Centre Inclusion Award.
The sessions have had a palpable impact on both the athletes and the club as a whole.
EMA has increased its membership and diversified, while providing an environment where fun and friendship is as important as fitness.
Successful results have also been achieved, with several athletes winning medals at regional and state events in relays, individual events and cross-country.
They have been led by coach Sandy Kadri, who trains the athletes through games-based activities across running, jumping, and throwing.
Athletes Sipriani, Walker, Wilcox and Tubriady running at Jack Eddy Oval.
Given the more complex co-ordination required, events such as hurdles and high jump are avoided.
But the athletes still participate in a solid variety, and given it is a small group, Kadri can provide each participant with the right guidance.
“Primary age kids can be scatty at the best of times, so that isn’t any different,” she said.
“They can be busy, their concentration is different, so it's just about understanding each athlete and what works best for them and how I can tap into them achieving the skills and improving their efforts.”
Kadri leans on parents to increase her understanding, a significant difference to the training of non-multi class athletes.
“The parents are the backbone of it all because they are here supporting and helping to redirect because it can be hard if they're all going off in their own zones,” she said.
Most coaches need to keep their players or athletes engaged so they can achieve a weekend result or podium finish.
But for Kadri, it’s all about ensuring each child is heard so they have fun and, most importantly, feel safe.
She is proactive, monitoring whether athletes are hungry, thirsty, or could be in pain, often using their form as an indicator.
Getting a run-down of how each has been tracking away from the field is also essential.
“I have that [communication] with the parents as well and say, ‘You need to let me know where they're up to, if they've had a really busy day or busy week, I need to know that, so I know what I can and can't get them to do tonight,” Kadri said.
Given its success already, EMA would love to continue to grow the program.
Kadri said one challenge currently is not being able to offer much for those in wheelchairs, given sessions are on a grass surface, much to her dismay.
Her passion for supporting the children achieve their goals is clear to see.
Kadri finished by stating her openness to having conversations with any interested families about what can be offered for their child.
The multi class sessions take place every Wednesday from 4.45pm to 5.30pm at Jack Eddy Oval.
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