MORE than 300 children from six areas competed in the final of the South Warwickshire Primary Schools Athletics Competition at Stratford School.
Previously, six area events were organised by Stratford Athletic Club in conjunction with over 50 primary schools and were supported by area organisers, who were Tami Howl and Caroline Richards from Alcester & Studley, Jane Kay from Henley, Nicki Campbell from Kineton & Wellesbourne, Beth Drissell, Carolyne Johnston and Ruth Phillips from Arden, Rachel Preedy from Stratford and Kelly Stepney from Shipston.
The revised format of the events enabled over 1,000 year three to year six children to compete in sprints, hurdles, middle distance running, high jump, long jump and the howler throw – all on the same day – and the winners of the various events in the heats were chosen to represent their area in the final.
The respective secondary schools – Alcester Academy, Henley, Kineton, Shipston and Stratford School – hosted the area events and their young leaders supported the Stratford AC coaches in running them.
Medals were presented to the winners of the various final events by Great Britain junior international Rory Dwyer, who started his athletics career at Great Alne Primary School, and Dwyer also presented the trophy to the winning Stratford team.
Wellesbourne Primary School teacher Nicki Campbell said afterwards: “The final went off very well and the children really enjoyed getting the medals at the end.
“It was also great to see Rory there as a homegrown athlete and it was very inspirational for the children to realise what they could accomplish.”
