Festival of athletics enjoyed at National Championships

Young disabled athletes from across England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland took part in two days of track and field events this weekend (6 and 7 July) in Coventry.

From podium places to personal bests there was something to celebrate for everyone that took part in the annual competition. The National Junior Para Athletics Championships has a proud history of giving disabled athletes the opportunity to compete in a major event, playing a pivotal part in helping them to reach their potential.

Tristan, 14, was one athlete making his debut at the national event. Competing on his home track he picked up gold medals in the 60m, 100m and 200m. He said:

"It’s been really good. Everyone is really welcoming and supportive of each other. I’ll definitely be back next year. I’m quite athletic and really enjoy sports. I play wheelchair basketball (for Coventry Wheelchair Basketball Academy) and I compete in that. I’ve competed at the youth games, international children’s games."

His mum was thrilled not only by his performance, but the spirit of the competition:

"The event has been great, it’s been quite cold but that didn’t dampen our spirits. It’s lovely to see all the different categories and just get everyone enjoying sport together" she said.

Ellie, 20, was competing at her 10th event. She left with three golds for discus, shot put and 100m.

"What keeps me coming back – the whole event, the community around the sport, the atmosphere" she explained.

"I got introduced to this event by school at regional level, and then national level and then I progressed into bigger events. I’ve now competed nationally with my club and I’m currently at university in Sunderland studying Sports Coaching.

"This event introduced me to athletics and it’s where I found my love for athletics. It’s a good social event too, with para-athletics, everyone is spread out, so it’s nice to have this event that everyone can come to and where everyone can catch up."

The National Junior Para Athletics Championships were once again supported by a group of passionate volunteers from the Lions International volunteer team. Our thanks go to all officials and volunteers who gave up their time and energy to help us make the competition a success.   

Adam Blaze, CEO of Activity Alliance, attened on Saturday to cheer on all those competing. He empahised just how important the Championships are:

"We are proud to organise this event, steeped in golden history from names you will know in track and field. For decades this Championships has led the way in finding future stars. We hear time and time again how important they are for the young athletes and how much fun they have. Whether for competition experience or to meet their peers from other regions."

"To all athletes, whatever you achieved from this competition, we hope you remember it in years to come."