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STAR: TRACK AUGUST 11TH -15TH 2008
Thanks to Graham Norris for this comprehensive report . Athletics in general, and MAC in particular, owe a debt to people like Graham, and all those involved in Star:Track in not only improving our own athletes, but also introducing newcomers into the sport. Well Done to everybody; coaches and athletes alike !
A week of Awesome Athletics
Inspired by the Olympics in Beijing, but certainly not the weather, over 80 athletes turned up at Millfield Athletics Track for the annual Norwich Union star:track programme last week. Under the watchful eye of UKA coaches from Mendip Athletics Club, junior athletes were put through a carefully planned programme of events that ensured the development of the fundamental and basics of even the most technical events.
Supported by enthusiastic and experienced Young Leaders, the 7 to 8 year olds were introduced to activities that covered the essentials of the pulling and pushing throws, how to hop and skip as part of the jumping events and how to move quickly in sprint races. These performances were measured using the standards set out in UKA’s national shine award scheme where the group won 3 Green, 3 Yellow and 4 Blue Medals. Connie Williams scored the highest overall total with 109 points narrowly beating Sonia Ambrose with 106 points where her best event was the shot put, throwing 6.7m.
The week is focused on fun and learning the correct athletic techniques, and this theme was carried forward by the 8 to 9 year olds who overall won 1 Yellow, 5 Green, 3 Blue, 1 Bronze and 1 Gold medal. Joshua Bates scored an impressive 144 points for the top award, coming top of his group for his three events and throwing the hammer 14 metres. Andrea Mena was close on his heels and her best performance was in the 1 minute run.
While dodging drenching showers, the 9 to 10 year olds, spent the afternoons with the all the other athletes in demonstrating how the skills of running, jumping and throwing underpin many other sports and took part in traditional team games such as kwik cricket, hockey and tag rugby. But on the track a few new potential contenders for 2016 emerged with the group scoring 2 Yellow, 3 Blue, 1 Bronze, 1 Silver and 4 Gold medals. Minty Martin and Daniel Solway scoring top for the girls and boys with scores of 183 and 193 points. Hannah Loosemoor also showed great Heptathlon potential scoring well in all her events, and heaving a 1Kg ball over 10m.
Those aged 10 to 11 proved to be particularly athletic, with every athlete in one group scoring a gold medal. Among the many outstanding performances Grace Low bounded 8.84m, Charlie Beake jumped 3.42 in the Long Jump and Harry Gutteridge heaved the hammer 27.42m.
The programme aims to encourage all aspects of being a good sports player and Spencer Williams, Joseph Solway, Sophie Roberts, Charlie Beake, Olivia-Grace, Smith Grace Low and Jake Cussel were all recognised for their the way they supported their team members and for their positive and enthusiastic approach.
All those in their first year of competition as Under 13’s, many of whom have attended previous star:tracks, spent the week not only developing existing skills but learning new ones. Annie McDonnell scored 180 points, just beating Ellie Norris who scored 167 for the girls, with Spencer Williams coming top for the boys with 162 points, throwing the hammer 29.8m in the process, just beating Ben Hicks who threw 25.67m.
The oldest group of 16 athletes, many of whom are committed athletes, worked hard all week to produce a fine medal tally, with good performances from Aoife Thorogood in the 800m (2:28.8mins), Jake Cussel jumping 10.02m in the Triple Jump and Grant McConnell throwing 35.54m in the Javelin.
Since this year’s programme was heavily over subscribed, anyone interested in next year’s programme, which has been provisionally booked for the 10th -14th Aug 09, should contact David Wright on 01749 679061
Thanks to Graham Norris for this comprehensive report . Athletics in general, and MAC in particular, owe a debt to people like Graham, and all those involved in Star:Track in not only improving our own athletes but introducing newcomers into the sport. Well Done to everybody; coaches and athletes alike !
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