2nd place for Gateway in Regional Athletics Championships

A squad of 24 children from Gateway participated in the 3rd Regional Schools’ Athletics Championships, at Stoke Mandeville, on Wednesday 4th June, competing against 17 other teams. The event allows children the opportunity to compete in a stadium environment on a synthetic track.

Eight children - four boys and four girls from Years 4, 5 and 6- made up each squad. Each child is eligible for one track event, one field event and also runs in the 4 x 75m relay. All the track events - 75m, 150m, 600m and relay - have heats, with the top two or three runners/teams qualifying for the finals.

Overnight rain had left surface puddles on the track but luckily the morning began to dry out and running conditions improved. The weather held up until 2.30pm when a heavy downpour and chilly wind tried to dampen the children’s enthusiasm.

The children in the track events were cheered on by hundreds of spectators. There were some very close and exciting finishes. Race of the day was probably the Year 6 Girls 600m final where Mei-ya L led from start to finish, winning in a sprint finish that saw the top three cross the line within a stride of each other: 1.56.09; 1.56.50; 1.56.73. Blistering times and heart stopping stuff!

Several children were disappointed not to do as well in the finals as in their heats, but dealing with this tension and pressure is part of the learning experience and all of our children can be proud of their performances.

Due to the deteriorating weather conditions, the presentation ceremony was cut short with just a brief announcement of the overall results. Gateway finished in 2nd place to keep up an excellent record in the competition.

The children are to be praised for their tremendous effort, team spirit and excellent behaviour. Thanks go, again, to all Gateway’s spectators for their enthusiastic encouragement and to St Teresa’s for organising another great event, in difficult conditions. Congratulations go to Bridgewater, this year’s Champions.

HJ

View the competition results in full, here.