POWERFUL COMBINATION:  Ipswich and District Athletics Club athletes enjoyed seeing the motorcycle brought along to a special presentation on Thursday night.  Pictured are Carley Stieler, Madeline McGuire, Raemiga Elle Raeli, Emily Beston, Cassie Purdon, Erika Berlin, Majella Pearl, Larissa Chambers, Johnathon Taylor, Josh Stockill, Daniel Parnell, Ashlee Stieler.  Kneeling:  Majella Cassidy, Aaliyah Chambers and Jacob Wells.

IPSWICH and District Athletics Club president Bailey Pashley gave a motivational speech about the exciting times ahead as a record number of 15 regional competitors prepared for this week’s Australian Junior Championships in Perth.

Pashley gave an example of swimmer Lindley Frame being on TV at the Commonwealth Games, saying this is the opportunity that awaits other talented young people who work hard.

A special presentation was made to the regional athletes at the Bill Paterson Oval clubhouse on Thursday night.

Councillors David Morrison, Victor Attwood, Bruce Casos, Heather Morrow, Cheryl Bromage, Charlie Pisasale, David Pahlke and club patron Andrew Antoniolli made a community donation of $1500 to assist with costs.

The appreciated help came after the Leisure Riders Touring Motorcycle Club recently donated $1000 to the club.

Leisure Riders Touring Motorcycling Club official Lew Crowe encouraged each athlete to achieve their best in Perth.

The BMW motorcycle of Crowe was a hit with everyone who enjoyed having their photo with the bike.

Helping the strong contingent of regional athletes reach new heights have been coaches Bailey Pashley, Brad Robinson, Mick Moore and Vic Pascoe.