Regional Schools' Athletics Championships, Stoke Mandeville

A squad of 24 children from Gateway participated in the 4th Regional Schools’ Athletics Championships, at Stoke Mandeville. There were 20 schools competing, this year, making it the biggest entry in the competition’s history. This 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 and 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 2 or 3 runners/teams qualifying for the finals.

Soon after arriving at the stadium, a light breeze and grey cloud soon dispersed leaving blue skies and sunshine; such a contrast to last year’s cold and rain! Some of the 600m runners found the heat a burden, especially those who had to run for a 2^nd time, in the finals.

The children in the track events were cheered on by hundreds of spectators creating a great atmosphere. There were some very close and exciting finishes. There were some superb performances, especially in the 4 x 75m relays where the year 4 and 5 girls and the year 5 boys ran with blistering speed, displaying smooth baton changeovers, to win convincingly.

Several children were disappointed not to reach the finals or do as well in the finals as in their heats but knew they had given their best, on the day, in nerve-wracking conditions, against some very strong opposition.

After the final podium presentation of individual 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place medals the team positions were announced: Berkhamsted 3^rd, Rushmore 2^nd and Gateway 1^st. Zach R and Skye M stepped forward, with the rest of the team, to be presented with the cup; our 2^nd victory in 4 years!

All the children should 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 which allows so many children to experience such a great day out. HJ/LN/DH/AW