By Barry Irving
BELLA Pasquale winner of last years 120m Stawell Gift will compete again at the Rye Gift on Saturday 13 January.
Bella will be trying to go back to back after also winning the 2023 Womens 120m Gift at Rye. Bella will also contest the Open 70m and the Womens 400m. Coming from a strong running family Bella’s mother was winner at the Rye Gift taking out the Women’s Diamond for three consecutive years 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Nicholas Antonio took out the Men’s 120m Gift in 2023 and then went on to make the final in Stawell in a hot field that saw him finish second beaten by the winner by 0.012 seconds. Nicholas will also be backing up at Rye again hoping to go back to back in 2024. Nicholas will also contest the Open 70m and Mens 400m.
The Gift and all other senior events are conducted under the VAL (Victorian Athletic League).
All eyes will be on these to athletes watching to see if history can repeat itself in 2024.
Rye Gift Saturday 13 January 2024, gates open at 7.30am.
Rye Junior Gift events commencing at 8.30am till 10.00am.
Official VAL events (heats) commence at 10.am.
A family fun day with something for everyone.
Further details Gary Sanford 0409 194 314
First published in the Mornington News – 9 January 2024
