The Little Athletics NSW (LANSW) aspires to provide the community with recreational athletics activities that contribute to the healthy development of our children. Such activities promote fun, fitness, the development of skills, the building of character and self esteem, and the fostering of good sportsmanship in a safe, positive, family-friendly and inclusive environment. (From the LANSW Mission Statement.) The concept of Little Athletics was the brain-child of Trevor Billingham and the first competition started in the sixties, in Victoria. The motto for this State, "Fun Running With Little Athletics", is simple and basic; more enjoyment will be derived from Little Athletics if this simple motto is always kept in mind. Competition at Hornsby Centre first began in the summer of 1969. Since then, Hornsby has been prominent in NSW Championships and has had many children represent the State in Interstate Championships. More importantly, many thousands have passed through the ranks having enjoyed the fun, fitness and friendship that come from participation in the sport of athletics. The main activity of our Centre is Saturday morning meetings, where children are encouraged to attempt to compete in all events, if possible. The ideals of the Little Athletics movement will be attained if concern for a child's placing in an event is secondary to praise for individual improvement. Personal best performances and improvements can be systematically recorded and assessed. We also encourage those who would like to improve or get fitter to attend different training opportunities, detailed on the website.
