By Ron Lane
NOOSA’S recent results in Round 1 of the Fastest Man on Sand held at Kurrawa on the Gold Coast was indeed very good.
The final medal tally was three gold, two silver and one bronze. Once again the club has benefited from the expert coaching of Omar Bakhach, a man whose reputation grows bigger each season.
The events in which Noosa won medals were as follows: Gold in the Female Under 14 and Under 13 Beach Relays and Under 13 Beach Flags. Silver came in the Boy’s Under 14 Beach Sprint and Under 12 Beach Flags. The bronze came in the 13 age Female Beach Sprint. As a result of their achievements, Under 14 Kai Thompson and Under 13 Amy Kibble were selected in the Sunshine Coast Branch Team to compete in the Inter Branch Championships.
Next weekend, Round 2 of the Fastest Man on Sand will be held at Mooloolaba and Noosa is hoping their present form will continue. But perhaps the best news is that the Noosa Coach has been appointed Beach Coach of the Branch Team for other major carnivals. This is the second year that Omar has achieved this honour.
This appointment was well received by many clubs apart from Noosa. Down through the years this man has not only made his mark as a coach on sand but also as a clubman who won’t hesitate to help other competitors; regardless of which club they represent.
Too often we see clubs start to win at Branch, State and National level, and then isolate themselves from the helping factor, regarding others.
This is definitely not in the tradition of surf club life.
On Sunday, Omar conducted a coaching clinic for 15-year-old beach flag competitors from Kurrawa and Kawana.
This was held on the beach at Alexandra Headland and their club kindly offered to help if needed.
The gesture has not gone unnoticed at Noosa. It was only recently that coaches and officials from Alex extended a helping hand to the Noosa March Past Team when they were in the process of reforming, after a lapse of several seasons. No cost involved.
Imagine their surprise when they arrived on the beach to find legendary national coach and official Ron ‘’Bopper’’ Tallon waiting to help.
“I don’t care where they are from,’’ said Omar.
“If these young kids want to compete and need help with coaching, I am only too happy to do so. Let’s face it, they may not be from Noosa but they are still all our kids and they are asking for help.’’
It is because of this attitude that also, during the Noosa Gift Track and Field Annual Carnival, which is contested by athletes from all over the East Coast, that Omar Bakhach is greeted and treated with the utmost respect by all concerned.
Be it on the sand or on the grass he has earned our respect.
They always say that you can’t keep a good man down.
If this so, then Noosa veteran member Neil Connelly will soon be back on his feet and working on club gear.
Neilo, as he is affectionately known, is responsible for keeping Noosa rescue boards in good repair and with a big Christmas season about to start, his work is vital.
Neilo, who has proudly earned his long service badge, is recovering from ankle surgery following a bad fall at home.
His coffee drinking mates in the Grom Squad (Grumpy Old Men) are eagerly awaiting his return.
When it’s all said and done, it is these types of members who form the backbone of every successful club.
We wish him well and a quick recovery.
