North East athletes collect team trophy for third consecutive year
Over 200 young disabled athletes enjoyed a full weekend of track and field events at the Typhoo National Junior Athletics Championships (2 and 3 July 2016). The North East region were victorious, accumulating enough team points to lift the winner’s trophy in glorious Coventry sunshine.
North East’s Rebecca Morton collected the Lions Club’s Endeavour trophy, while track athletes Liam Simons (Pool Academy- South West) and Olivia Gallagher (Weir Archer Academy- South East) won Outstanding Male and Female Performances.
Many will tune into the Rio Paralympics later this summer and this annual event showed why it is renowned for finding the country’s future track and field champions. It did not fail to disappoint this weekend with a list of personal bests and notable performances for athletes aged 11 to 19.
Elite disabled athletes began their own success at this prestigious event, including Hannah Cockroft, Aled Davies, Hollie Arnold and Shelly Woods. Another, Ben Rowlings, double T34 bronze medallist at the recent IPC Athletics European Championships, delighted the young stars when he presented the winning trophies at the closing ceremony.
Earlier Ben watched athletes, who may follow in his path, compete on his club’s home track (Coventry Godiva Harriers). All individual medal performances accumulated points for their regions, which helps to boost competition for the Team Trophy.
The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) organised the Championships at the University of Warwick’s athletics track. A full programme was on offer, meaning athletes with a wide range of impairments took part.
Jannine Walker, National Events Manager for EFDS, said:
“We really enjoy putting this event on as we know how much the juniors value the opportunity to come together with athletes from other regions. This year was no different as we had first timers and potential champions taking part. A huge thank you goes to Typhoo supporting such an amazing weekend. We would also like to extend our thanks to Lions Club International, the officials, volunteers and all the teachers, parents and supporters who work tirelessly to ensure this event is memorable for everyone.”
Typhoo Tea renewed their support for 2016, after helping 1500 disabled athletes to access athletics opportunities last year. There were seven qualifiers over the spring leading up to the nationals.
Somnath Saha, Chief Executive of Typhoo Ltd, said:
“This is an important celebration of talent and Typhoo has been delighted to support it. Sport can change lives and that is certainly true for those who have taken part in the regional qualifiers and this weekend’s national championships.
“Being active can help with physical and mental health, confidence and fitness and to promote social interaction. That’s why it is great to see such a high number of young disabled people taking part in this weekend’s competition, supported by an army of volunteers, families and schools.”
Lions Club International has been involved with the event since it began. Their volunteers have supported the national and regional events across England.
