It began as something to do over the summer time.
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Just a couple of mates who played football and attended dances together, who wanted to compete in athletics at a senior level.
Thus the Wendouree Amateur Athletic Club was born.
They didn't realise it at the time, but the simple idea would spark a legacy which would provide opportunities for countless athletes over the next 70 years.
Established in November 1949, the club finished runner-up in the Ballarat Local Centre's track and field competition in its inaugural year.
Its secretary - 17-year-old sprinter and jumper John Wiltshire - quickly established himself as one of the club's leading athletes. He won eight junior championship titles in the club's second year to help the club claim its first track and field premiership.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the formation of the club, it will hold a special reunion weekend on November 16-17. The club's current crop of track and field athletes will be in action at the Athletics Victoria Shield competition at Llanberris on Saturday November 16.
Later that evening a gathering of past and current members and supporters will attend the Wendouree Community Sports Club. On Sunday a family barbecue will be held in the same location.
The club is seeking contributions of items reflecting the history of the club to a memorabilia display over the weekend.
For further details on the event contact contact the club on 0429 966 772 or via email at wendoureeathletics@hotmail.com.
