Primary School Athletics

IT was certainly fun and games at Poynton Leisure Centre last week as seven local primary schools competed in the eighth annual Sportshall Athletics Competition.

The afternoon was a huge success, with young athletes from years five and six competing in a range of events including a mixture of throwing, running and jumping.

St Paul's emerged top dogs in a close contest, with Disley finishing in second and Poynton Vernon third. However, just 35 points separated the top three schools and the event went down to the final races. All three schools received certificates.

Event organiser Geoff Barratt said: "It was very successful against this year, everyone enjoyed it.

"Even a fire alarm going off at the end of the meet failed to dampen our fun!"

Events included in the Sportshall Athletics Competition include sprints, relays, standing long jump, standing triple jump, ball throw and speed bounce - which involves jumping from side to side over a foam wedge.

It's the eighth time in nine years Poynton High School has hosted the event - with pupils from years 11, 12 and 13 doing the timing, recording and scoring.

  • FOR more information about Sportshall and how it can help introduce children to athletics, contact Geoff Barratt on 01625 877674 or sports development officer Jill O'Hare on 01625 504525.