Opportunities for schools athletics

03 May 2009

Sometimes in life it is possible to be so closely involved in an activity that we may not fully realise how successful it actually is. This may be so in our athletics at the present time. Michael McKillop who competed in our schools’ championships last year and Jason Smyth who competed just two years earlier both won gold medals in the Bejing Paralympics. Five of our athletes represented N. Ireland in the Commonwealth Youth Games in India in October. Eight girls and eight boys were selected for the Irish schools’ team for the S.I.A.B. Track & Field International in Bedford and for the 3rd year in a row approximately forty N. Ireland athletes competed at the UK School Games. In addition to that many competed in the Celtic International and an even greater number qualified to compete in the Irish Schools’ championships. In Ulster there is a remarkable group of highly talented young athletes, some of which could well be Olympians in the future. London 2012 may not be a realistic target, because most will be too young, but why not four years later.

There are wonderful opportunities for all of those wishing to be involved in athletics as well as the obvious health benefit of involvement in any sport. Those involved in introducing young people to athletics, be it parents, school teachers or club coaches are encouraged to do so, but also to enter their athletes for the various championships, both Schools and Athletics NI. Those athletes who read this are encouraged to set themselves high targets and of course to work to achieve them. Perhaps you have the ability to represent N. Ireland, Ulster, Ireland or Great Britain.

Ulster and Irish Schools were saddened that the excellent relationship which had existed between Schools’ athletics and Nestle has come to an end. We are most grateful to Nestle for their input and excellent financial support for the past 45 years, and we sincerely thank all of those from that corporation who contributed so much to a great partnership. Ulster Schools’ are delighted to now have the support of Aviva for the Ulster Cross Country and Track & Field Championships, through the work of UK Athletics and Athletics NI and we trust this partnership will be equally productive and that many young athletes will benefit.

2009 is a special year for Ulster Schools. We have already been the successful hosts of the Irish Schools’ Cross Country, an event which was shared with the Irish Universities at the excellent facilities of University of Ulster Jordanstown. In July we are the hosts of the S.I.A.B Track & Field International, on behalf of the Irish School, at the Antrim Forum. We look forward to this event and we ask for the support of all those interested in athletics to be present on Saturday 18th July either as parent supporters, spectators or for those who may be able to officiate.

R.G.Moffett
Ulster Schools Hon. Sec.