Local schools enjoy Vale athletics festival
Jenner Park Stadium was the venue for this year’s Vale Primary Athletics Festival organised by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Children from nine primary schools attended the Dragon Sports event, despite the unsettled weather conditions.
The festival was sponsored by ‘New Directions Education’ and the schools involved were: Palmerston Primary, Romilly Junior School, St Helen’s Roman Catholic Primary, Fairfield Primary, Jenner Park Primary, St Nicholas Church in Wales Primary, Peterston-Super-Ely Primary, Ysgol Gymraeg Pen y Garth and Sully Primary School.
One hundred and eighty children keenly participated in a range of athletics events, including long jump, high jump, cricket ball throw, turbo javelin, shot, 90m sprint, 60m sprint, 60m relay shuttles and the 4x100m relay.
Rachel McGuinness, the Vale’s Dragon Sports Coordinator, explained why such an athletics festival is important: “It provides young people with an excellent opportunity to compete as a team in a formal athletics event. The focus is on the basic Dragon Sports principles of fun and fair play while experiencing disciplines that are suitable for their age group.”
Overall festival winners were Romilly Junior School who secured an impressive final total of 215 points, they were closely followed by Sully (205 points) and St. Helen’s (177 points).
Rachel was keen to thank all of those involved, children, parents, volunteers and teachers. She especially thanked the Barry College students as well as year 11 and 12 students from Llantwit Major Comprehensive School who helped on the day.
Dragon Sports is a national initiative set up by the Sports Council of Wales and aside from Athletics, they also highlight seven other key sports, namely: Netball, Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Rugby and Tennis. For more details on Dragon Sports contact Rachel on 01446 704681 or visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment.
This summer the “Startrack Athletics” scheme is available for children who wish to continue their interest in one of the Dragon Sports. Jenner Park and Cowbridge Cricket Club will be the venues for children aged 8-15 to hone their skills within paid structured coaching programmes. For details contact James Moore on 07926 864124.
Another way to be involved in athletics is through the Barry & Vale Harriers, who organise training sessions on Wednesdays from 6pm - 7.30pm. Telephone Fred Malkin on 01446 794939 for more information.