Family-focused Browns Sports Day turns on the fun

Families packed the children into the car and headed to the 124th annual event held at the Browns Domain.

The scheduled sports event was not about the professional athlete taking part but maintained its focus on the family.

Every man, woman and child had the opportunity to take part in some friendly rivalry. Running races for men, women and children as well as high jump, shot put, cycling and family relay races kept the crowd engaged.

There was even a bit of a competition for the family dog in the husky or terrier races.

The PC police may have been busy, especially during the women’s rolling pin-throwing competition and the married ladies races.

Caleb Hamill from South Hillend treated his children (from left) Mac (7), Frank (3) and Rita (5) to an alfresco afternoon snack of hot chips and a drink at the family-oriented Browns Sports Day on Saturday to celebrate after both Frank and Rita took second place in their running races. PHOTO: TONI MCDONALD

The annual event was one of multiple summer events XO Church had attended. XO Church member Chris Gorman was supervising the giant size outdoor games area the church provided to the events for free.

The XO team had been at the Winton A&P Show and planned to attend Southland A&P Show on March 4.

"The Browns events is a great family atmosphere and it’s always so relaxing with great community engagement.

"We usually try and get out into the community and do different events. We do everything for free to encourage everybody to get out and have a good time."

Longtime supporter and former Browns Sports Day committee president Lyn Lindsay said she first started coming to the sports day after shifting to Springhills in 1975.

She was happy with the turnout for the day. Numbers might be down on other years because there were several other events scheduled for Saturday, but the Browns event was more family oriented.

"It’s nice to see the families. We like to have it family orientated.

"The weather is one out of the box. It is just amazing and good to see after Thursday."

Gate sales contributed to the prizes presented throughout the day and also supported a school scholarship to assist athletes with their development.

"We get great sponsors from businesses in the surrounding area.

"The sponsorships help with the running of the sports."

Event organisers would be aiming to put some funds aside for the 125th celebrations next years, she said.

The 100th celebrations went for three days.

By Toni McDonald