As the year comes to a close, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who keeps athletics going across Sussex. Our coaches, officials, team managers, helpers, and volunteers generously and consistently give their time, often behind the scenes.
The sport simply could not function without you.
This year has once again shown the strength of our athletics community, and the many successes are reflected in the annual report. However, it has also highlighted a growing concern. We are relying on too few people for everything. Expectations continue to rise, while the number of volunteers at both club and county levels is falling. That position is not sustainable.
If we want leagues, championships and development opportunities to continue, more people need to step forward. You do not have to commit large amounts of time. Even helping occasionally makes a genuine difference. Without new support, our ability to deliver athletics in the county will be at risk.
This Christmas, my thanks come with a simple request. Please consider how you, or someone you know, might help support the sport we all care about.
Speak with your club secretary, or look at training opportunities for coaching and officiating on this website.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the past and present members of Sussex AA who we lost in 2025, and recognise the contribution they made to athletics in our county. Our thoughts and sympathies are with their friends and families.
I wish you all a peaceful Christmas, a healthy and positive New Year, and a fantastic start to 2026 with our first major fixture, the ever-exciting Sussex Cross Country Championships at Bexhill on Saturday 10 January.
Volunteers are always needed for this event, particularly for registration and marshalling. If you can help, please contact Kate Matthews for more information.
Warm wishes,
Melanie Anning
President
Sussex County Athletics Association
Photo credits: Feature photo of Kwame Okojie (Sussex AA Executive and HY AC) and the ESAA Team Managers by Andy Cox (@ac_phots)