Competitive spirit at Ellinbank sports

Do you have what it takes to win the Ellinbank Gift? Are the kids keen to give a sprint, obstacle or old-style sack race a go? Or perhaps the gumboot throw is more your style?
Gather your family and friends together for all these events and more at the 93nd Ellinbank twilight sports on Friday, February 23.
Held in conjunction with the Ellinbank Farmers Market, the event continues to grow in popularity.
Organiser Peter Wallace described it as a wholesome family evening of fun. Entry is via gold coin donation.
Mr Wallace said it was an event for everyone, young and old alike, with running races, novelty events and, most importantly, the opportunity to connect with others in the district.
"It's just a good opportunity for people to get out and enjoy a bit of local sport," he said. "It's a chance for the community to get together and see each other."
Held at the Ellinbank Recreation Reserve, the night is run by the Ellinbank Hall Committee.
Mr Wallace said any funds raised would be used for hall improvements. But, he emphasised the event was all about social connection.
Sticking with its traditional program, this year's twilight sports will include sprint races, obstacle races, sack races and potato races ranging from under four to open age categories.
The competitiveness will come out in the handicap 120m Ellinbank Gift as well as the men's over 40 years 70m, women's over 40 years 50m, men's 800m, boy's 400m and girl's 400m.
In addition to the Gift, the women's gumboot throw is a highlight of the program and attracts plenty of spectators and laughs as different techniques are put to the test.
Dinner can be purchased with a sausage sizzle, hot chips, coffee, milkshakes and ice-cream all on offer as well as a variety of Ellinbank Farmers Market stallholders offering a craft, creations, flowers and local produce to browse. Attendees are asked to bring cash, where possible.
The night will run from 6pm to about 9pm, with events beginning at 6.30pm.