Sally was the special guest at the launch of the Lithgow Flash Sprint along with Lithgow’s own Marjorie Jackson.

She mixed with the local athletes, signed autographs and was a real hit with the younger brigade.

Sally was presented with a framed signed photograph of the Lithgow Flash when she took gold back in 1952.

She said that the presentation of the photograph would be an inspiration to her in her lead up to the Games.

It must have worked wonders as Sally flashed home to create a huge upset and take out the silver medal, Australia’s first athletic medal for many years.

The world’s greatest athletes are currently competing for Olympic glory and will inspire young athletes throughout Australia to get involved in local sport.

Little Athletics, dedicated to developing young athletes across NSW, are now taking registrations and are encouraging parents throughout Lithgow to register their child for the 2008-09 season.

Little Athletics are for all children aged between five and 15 years.

People interested in registering their child can contact Lithgow Little Athletics representative, Ray Stoneley, on (02) 6355 2357.

Licensee of McDonald’s Lithgow, Steve Hawkins, is encouraging families to get involved with Little Athletics.

“McDonald’s has committed to support Little Athletics across NSW for a sixth season.

“This year we will continue to work with Little Athletics to encourage more young children in Lithgow to lead an active lifestyle, and to consider giving Little Athletics a go.

“Children across the state are being swept away with the Olympic atmosphere and will hopefully want to get involved in a great local club that encourages kids to be healthy and have a good time with friends,” Steve said.

Last season close to 40,000 children registered and participated in Little Athletics across the state.

The partnership between McDonald’s and LAANSW is designed to promote athletics and increase the number of children participating.

This season, the sponsorship will include funding for a Little Athletics television advertisement that will screen across NSW during the registration period, along with tray mats, encouragement awards and Athlete of the Month prizes.

Steve said McDonald’s is pleased to be involved with Little Athletics again in 2007-08.

“We’re looking forward to continuing this partnership with Little Athletics and hope that together we can get more children signed-up to break the registration record this season,” Steve said.

For more information about Little Athletics visit www.littleathletics.com.au or call 1800 451 295.

Little Athletics has centres located in Lithgow as well as Katoomba (Wentworth Falls) and Kandos-Rylstone.