Dubbo’s Cameron Porteous thinks that’s what makes the New Year Carnival “special”.

Porteous is 56 and was the second oldest competitor at the 2019 event with a silver medal to show for his efforts in the shot-put.

“I’ve run in the 100 metres and the 400 metres, thrown the discus and competed in the shot-put,” he said.

“I enjoy the participation more than anything.

ALSO READ Youngest registered athletes at carnival run,jump and throw for the fun of it

“This carnival is special because I don't know of another in New South Wales where parents and children and sometimes even grandparents can all compete together.”

Porteous has only recently taken up competing, his initial involvement with athletics was as a supporter for his daughter Georgia.

“I have only been competing seriously for two years, my daughter did Little Athletics and then went away to high school, when she went away I thought I’d give it a go, and I’m glad I have,” he said.

ALSO READ Dubbo's Emma Hughes to star in WBBL under 18 exhibition matches

“I do have those competitive juices, but I mainly do it for fun. I usually compete against myself rather than the other athletes.

“This is the only carnival that I compete in, but I might get to the country championships in Newcastle one day.”

Porteous said the New Year Carnival should become a more significant event in future years.

“I think now it’s an officially sanctioned carnival we will see the younger and more serious athletes compete here which can only be good for the club and good for Dubbo,” he said.

“It’s great to see kids as young as six here; this carnival shows you are never too young and never too old to have a go.”