from Athletics Northern Ireland The Banbridge area competition for Athletics NI Primary schools ‘Search for a Star’ initiative was held in Banbridge Leisure Centre on 11th December 2008, supported by Banbridge Distract Council. Area competitions have also taken place in Belfast, North Down, Lisburn and the North West. Six primary schools came along to compete, with the top 20 athletes being selected to represent the Banbridge Area at the Woodie’s DIY Irish Indoor Athletics Championships to be help in the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Sunday 8th February 2009.
The six schools who took part were Ballydown PS, Bridge PS, Edenderry PS, Hart PS, Iveagh PS and St Mary’s PS. Each school brought 10 pupils, who each took part in 4 events – Speed bounce, Standing Long Jump, Chest push and 60m Sprint.
From the results the top athlete(s) for each of the four events are:
Best Sprint – Robert Little Iveagh PS
Time: 16.41sec
Best Jump – Robert Little Iveagh PS
Distance: 1m 74
Best Speed bounce – Tia Wilson
Iveagh PS Jumps: 50
Ciaran Duffin Bridge PS
Jumps: 50
Rebecca Lennon Bridge PS
Jumps: 50
Best Chest push – James Curry
Ballydown PS Distance: 9m
Full results can be found at www.indoorathletics.net (Search for a Star) or www.niathletics.org
With all the teams now picked the race is on to find out who will win the Odyssey Final this year. The North Down team are all set for retaining their title as champions for the third years running but they will be up against stiff competition this year.
Well done to all who have taken part in the competitions and for more information on the 2009 Irish Indoor Athletics Championships check out the official web site
www.indoorathletics.net or contact Athletics NI 028 90602707.
