Talented junior athletes ready to shine at National Championships

Talented juniors from across the UK will take part in a full track and field programme across two days.

The annual event - this year supported by People’s Partnership, which provides The People’s Pension to six million workers in the UK - has for decades given young disabled athletes the opportunity to compete in a major event. Organisers ensure that there is something for juniors with every impairment to take part in.

Whilst gold medals will be up for grabs, the event can also play a pivotal part in helping a young athlete reach their potential. Seven-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockcroft, triple Paralympic silver medallist Kare Adenegan and triple Paralympic gold medallist Aled Davies all started their careers at the junior competition.

Adam Blaze, Chief Executive at Activity Alliance, said:

"We hear time and time again how important these Championships are for the young athletes, for competition experience, to meet their peers from other regions and most of all, what fun it is too! We also know from coaches, teachers, and parents how important this type of event is and how vital it is to keep it going every year.

"Sport relies on volunteers to run every week, across the country, from grassroots to elite level. We are very lucky again to be supported by a passionate Lions Club International volunteer team. Thank you to all here this weekend, giving up your time and energy. It would not happen without you.  

"To the athletes, whatever you want to achieve from this weekend’s competition, we hope you remember it for years to come. Whether a personal best or a gold medal, we wish you the best of luck."

Coventry Athletics Track at Warwick University will play host to the Championships, with a packed schedule already confirmed. The meet will see beginners to established athletes compete across track and field events.

The support of People’s Partnership will ensure Activity Alliance can deliver a fantastic two-day event.

Patrick Heath-Lay, Chief Executive Officer of People’s Partnership, the provider of The People’s Pension, said:

"As a purpose-driven organisation that always puts people first, People’s Partnership is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and strives to contribute positively to society. We are incredibly proud to be sponsoring the National Junior Athletics Championships.

"The championships have a long and rich history of enabling young athletes to reach their full potential and we hope our involvement will help this success to continue."

Fabio Zamparelli competed at his first National Junior Athletics Championships in 2019. It has had a special place in his heart ever since. He will be attending once again, competing in the shot put and discus.

"I remember being nervous, excited and then super happy with my performances. Every year I have grown and got better and I keep learning. The competition has been there during my development and when I compete it feels like home, but I also feel that I can compete to be my best.

"It gives me the opportunity to learn so many skills that I couldn't learn anywhere else. Travelling, communication, social and professional are all things I have learnt through going to championships. Without my sport I would be very isolated and not have the life that I have now.

"I cannot imagine my life without sport. Athletics has given me so many opportunities which make a real difference to my confidence, self-belief and my future."

You can read the provisional programme for the event by clicking here.

Follow the Championships conversation using #JuniorAthletics23 on Twitter.