Pushing limits, lifting spirits: Let the PA Games begin

The Parkes Athletic (PA) Games are back and more than 100 athletes from around the region will be turning up to challenge themselves and push their limits in new and exciting ways. And just as importantly, to back each other in the process. The games, held for the first time last year, is all about setting and striving towards your own personal fitness goals, in whatever form they may be, and working hard to achieve them. Directors of Parkes Athletic Jason and Emma Montgomery couldn't be more excited for this year's installment on Saturday, 1 November as they prepare for about 20 more participants than they had last year. "I'm looking forward to the achievements," said Jason, who's head coach at Parkes Athletic and along with Emma, has 10 years of hands-on experience in the fitness industry. "Whether it's a new movement, heavier weights or a faster time." "Even just coming out onto the competition floor, that's an achievement," Emma added. In teams of two there will be two divisions - Open in M/M, F/M, F/F for the more experienced and Emerging for any combo and any level. Across four events, workouts include everything from stationary skiing, running and weightlifting to athletic and gymnastic movements, and high aerobic output. Each division will have its own leaderboard to ensure fair competition and cash prizes will be awarded to Open division winners. Up to 102 athletes have registered for the games, amounting to 51 teams, and ages range from as young as 14 to 68. Along with a group of PA's own athletes, competitors will be travelling from Forbes, Dubbo, Grenfell, Bathurst, Young and Wagga. "Then we'll have spectators from these areas which would be at least another 50 people so it's going to be a pretty big day," Emma said. It all kicks-off at 7am at Parkes Athletic's new, expanded premises in Boyd Circuit and is expected to finish around 3pm. The day will end with complimentary recovery treatments with PA teaming-up with RAWW - Recovery and Wellness Wagga - in their new recovery rooms. Last year the games consisted of three-person teams but the couple has condensed it to two this time to make it more achievable for competitors. "It's also harder to find three people with the same ability than it is with two," Emma added. She said the idea for the games originated from them wanting to bring something new to the community and creating a fun and healthy competition. "It's taking the everyday athlete and giving them something to prepare for, to work towards and in turn gives them that sense of achievement," Jason said. "We had a woman in her 40s who had previously never attended the gym before, she just took part in her first Strongman competition and she only had two weeks' notice. "That's what it's about - being confident in your ability and doing it together." "It doesn't matter what your age or ability is, this is open to everybody," Emma added. The event focuses greatly on community and sportsmanship. "Everyone backs each other, even if they don't know them and even if they're from four hours away," Emma said. They'll also be awarding a PA Spirit Award to a participant who best shows the "spirit of the day". Spectators are most welcome to come, cheer and watch the action, and see what it's all about. There will also be a few stalls present on the day.

Pushing limits, lifting spirits: Let the PA Games begin

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