The heat of competition

A handful of Pakenham Little Athletics Centre's best and brightest. Back row from left; Abigail Nimmo, Naomi Sykes, Leah Mibus, Shonta Rayner, Rachael McLeod, Brianna Sherry, Lachlan McLeod and Zara McLeod. Middle row; Snehashis Sinah, Andrew Donovan, Jack Scarborough, Ryan Mibus, Molly McLeod, Tylay Burn, Maia Nimmo and Joshua King. Front row; Kayla Wilson, Tatiyana Carver, Alice Taylor, Jordan Munn, Jarred Munn, Oskar Price, Leighton Maxwell and Connor King. 134962 Picture: SUPPLIED

A BUMPER crop of 36 Pakenham Little Athletes competed in the Gippsland Country Region Track and Field Championships at Casey Fields on the weekend.
Despite the hot conditions, the athletes rose to the occasion and competed very successfully in 120 events.
As the Gazette went to press at least seven athletes are directly through to State Track and Field, in March, and more will progress once all the results are in from around Victoria.
Saturday morning was allocated to the under-six to under-eight athletes participating in the Gippsland Country Region Junior Carnival.
Pakenham had 12 athletes who were able to enjoy the fun of competing, against others centres, within the Region.
There were many smiles, ribbons and new friends made at the event.