Good Sports Join Festival's Fun

Illawarra Mercury

Monday March 7, 2005

By KILMENY ADIE

THERE are a few aching bodies in the Illawarra today after Shellharbour City's Festival of Sport challenged residents to test their muscle power.

The three-day festival gave people the opportunity to watch or take part in more than 20 different sporting events including lawn bowls, golf, bodyboarding, gymnastics and wrestling.

Festival secretary Diane Johnston said that the event had been a huge success and had achieved its aim of encouraging people to embrace an active lifestyle.

"They have tried things like bodyboarding, fishing and other bits and pieces to get people more active," she said.

Unfortunately, there was one small problem when the popular dragon boat race was cancelled on Saturday afternoon, she said.

Ms Johnston said the race was stopped due to safety concerns because, after the boats had completed their warm-up, gusty winds hit and made it difficult for them to line up and the conditions dangerous for the rowers.

"We have postponed the dragon boat race to April," she said.

"We are inviting other teams now as we have an extra four weeks up our sleeves. We want other teams to participate."

Despite the hitch with the dragon boat race, Ms Johnston said nature smiled kindly on yesterday's family fun day at the Lake Illawarra PCYC as it was blessed by the weather and big crowds.

The date for the postponed race day will be set this week.

© 2005 Illawarra Mercury

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