Brushing shoulders with some of the state’s best junior athletes as well as receiving expert advice from past and future Olympians were just some of the highlights. 

Merriwa under-12 star Cody Bates said for him overcoming a “confidence” block in high jump was one of the best things he took home from the camp. 

“I learnt new skills in events I had a lot of trouble with before,” he admitted.

“I also got to meet lots of other athletes.”

For 12-year-old Darcy Taaffe, it was all about learning from some of the world’s best.

“I really liked being taught by Olympic and Commonwealth athletes like Youcef (Abdi) and Alysha (Burnett) who have achieved so much,” she said.

“It helped us see if we try hard we can do that too. 

“I also want to share what I learned with other athletes when I get back to training.”

For 11-year-old Rachel Hunt, she liked it all.  

“It was an amazing experience and I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to go to camp,” she said.

“What we learned will give us an edge and help us to be the best athletes we can be. 

“I think if you work really hard you can get there.”

Merriwa Little Athletics president Tash Taaffe said she was very proud of the athletes.  

“It was clear from the start, the country kids that were there meant business,” she explained.

“They wanted to learn and soak up as much information as possible. 

“It was great to see them grow an inch or two taller over the weekend as some of them realised they might just have what it takes to reach the next level if they are prepared to put the effort in.”

More than $2000 was raised by the organisation through cake stalls, raffles, 100 clubs and donations to send the athletes to camp.  

Taaffe sincerely thanked the Merriwa Rotary Club, Aussie Helpers and the Merriwa community for their financial support and Little Athletics NSW for hosting the camp and assisting with transport of the athletes to Sydney.