Young hopefuls impress at Typhoo Junior Athletics Championships
North East athletes were celebrating tonight after they lifted the team trophy at this weekend’s Typhoo National Junior Athletics Championships (7 and 8 July). Typhoo supported the event, which was organised by Activity Alliance and held at the Warwick Athletics Stadium in Coventry. More than 200 junior disabled competitors returned home with an incredible collection of medals and personal bests.
Last year the North East team just missed out on the team trophy to rivals North West. They returned this weekend to compete for the highly contested award and over the two days accumulated enough points to claim it back. It was a memorable moment for team captain, Joseph Gray, who competed in his final Junior Championships after many years developing his talent through this athletics programme.
North East’s Rachel Robson picked up the Outstanding Female Performance Award. Ben Barnes from Wales won the Male Award. The Lions Club UK Endeavour Trophy went to Shannon Dover from the North West region.
It is the fourth year that Typhoo has added an extra ‘OO’ to the National Junior Athletics Championships. The support has enabled over 1000 disabled athletes this year to take part in this athletics programme across England. The event offers a full programme so athletes with a wide range of impairments can take part.
The Lions Club International UK has fundraised for the event since it began and this year they presented a cheque for over £8,000 to Activity Alliance. A team of Lions volunteers also gave up their time and energy at the event.
Activity Alliance’s event programme enables more disabled people to access opportunities in more places, whether for talent development or to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle. These activities improve people’s physical and mental health whilst boosting confidence and social interaction.
Jannine Walker, National Events Manager for Activity Alliance, said:
“What a great weekend! From beginners to rising stars, this event captures the spirit of sport. We are thankful to Typhoo, Lions Club International UK and SOS Group for supporting the Championships. It was also brilliant to have Cerebral Palsy Sport involved to promote RaceRunning to more athletes too. We hope all the young disabled people who took part continue to develop their talent, but most of all, continue to enjoy being active for life.”
More information
- All event enquiries should be directed to Jannine Walker, Activity Alliance National Events Manager, jannine@activityalliance.org.uk or 07725 273158.
- Media enquiries to news@activityalliance.org.uk or call 07794 525034.
