MAAA Wingspan

04 Beyond safety, also on our minds is the question of if our activity is a sport or a hobby. This is a question even state governments cannot decide. The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has recognised Aviation, including aeromodelling, as a sport but not some state governments have not followed suit. Many engage in aeromodelling for recreation, relaxation, and social purposes. Competitions are not on their agenda. Others engage competitively and do so with great enthusiasm. Many invest much time and money to succeed. Is this any different from other activities categorised as a sport? Take pistol or rifle shooting as an example. Some members engage for the purpose of recreation, relaxation, and social purposes, others participate competitively. The decision of some states to chase the sport recognition may only be linked to Government funding opportunities. I can appreciate the choices they make based on local criteria but it must be remembered, however, that sports recognition is not only a means of obtaining funding. Where will we be in 10 years? Many clubs are run by dedicated members well into the latter part of their lives. What is your legacy going to be? How are you “paying it forward” for those members who invested the time to teach you how wonderful the sport can be? Do we want our grandchildren to enjoy the thrills of aeromodelling as we have? Do our younger members want their children to also enjoy the thrills of aeromodelling? If the answer is yes, then we need to do something. Older experienced members need to put in place succession plans to enable clubs to continue well into the future. They need to accept the ideas of the younger members and work with them. Younger members need to be prepared to step up and take over the administration of clubs. They need to work with more senior (in age) members, learn the processes and be prepared to put in. If this does not happen, some clubs and perhaps even state associations will slowly close leaving behind a vacant block of land and lost opportunities for future generations. Central administration is inevitable. The long-term outcome is in the hands of clubs and state associations. If we want to leave an aeromodelling legacy, get your younger members involved. Let us all keep aeromodelling alive, support our clubs, share our knowledge and most of all fly safely and enjoy our great hobby. Neil Tank President president’s report CONTINUED...

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