Youth Olympics a big success!

Blog Entry by Peter Lang
Marketing Officer
Penrith City Council

The mercury may have soared past 40 degrees on January 15 but that didn't stop the Mayor of Penrith Cr Jim Aitken from going out to wish Australian Rowing team members Danielle Polson and Glenn Rypp all the best before they competed in the 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival.
The Festival, which saw events held at both the Penrith Whitewater Stadium and Sydney International Regatta Centre, was an outstanding success attracting over 300 competitors and spectators into the Penrith area on any given day during the Festival's run between Janaury 14-18.
Congratulations to all who took part, whether you won a medal or not. Sometimes just competing is enough.
Photo caption: (L-R) Cr Jim Aitken, Danielle Polson & Glenn Ripp.

Youth Olympics comes to Penrith

Blog Entry by
Peter Lang
Marketing Officer
Penrith City Council

We all loved watching the Olympics last year, well I know I did and from January 14-18 the stars of tomorrow will be on show today (love that cliche) when the Australian Youth Olympic Festival takes place at Sydney Olympic Park and Penrith's two very own Olympic Venues - the International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

I've been told that over 300 athletes and officials will compete in numerous triathlon, rowing and whitewater kayaking events in what's been described as 'Australia’s largest multi-sport event for young athletes' - boy whoever writes these lines is good.

The other good news is that you can watch these tremendous up-and-coming athletes for free, yep that's right, FREE and that's another big positive during the school holidays. An event which won't cost you a sent to watch!
Local young Penrith residents like Shannon Jennings (Athletics), Ashleigh Peppernell (Rowing), Michael Mercieca (Gymnastics), Alison Smith (Rowing), Jessica Fox (Canoe kayak) and Gage Harrison (Canoe kayak) will all take part and the Youth Olympic Festival is a definite stepping stone for athletes striving to wear the green and gold at the Olympic Games.

Now for more information on all the events, including the ones taking place in Penrith, visit http://www.blogger.com/www.olympics.com.au.

Go on, check it out, dare I say it - you'll be glad you did.