Yeovil Schools Represented at National Disability Games 2009

Sixteen young Somerset athletes including those from 2 schools in Yeovil: Preston and Fairmead, will be representing the South West at a national disability games competition in Blackpool next month.

The sixteen athletes were chosen after taking part in the Adapted Athletics For All competition held at South Somerset District Council’s Yeovil Athletics Arena in April - which attracted over 100 participants from seven schools across the county.

The group - who achieved impressing qualifying times and distances - will now compete at the Junior National Disability Athletics competition being held between 3 and 5 July in Blackpool.

Jenny Phipps, Sports Development Officer at South Somerset District Council said, “The event in April was a real success and provided an excellent opportunity for competition. They took part in events ranging from javelin and long jump to target beanbag and wheelchair races.”

“The achievement of the 16 athletes qualifying to attend the National Championships in Blackpool shows the real strength of talent some of our disabled young athletes have. We look forward to continuing to develop opportunities within disability sport across South Somerset.”

Cllr Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Well Being added, “We need to be providing the facilities and support to allow people of all abilities and ages to excel within their sports and South Somerset District Council will continue to do this across the district.”

It is hoped that many of the athletes will progress to join local clubs and those in Yeovil will be coached by the Community Athletics Coach, Stuart Richards. Stuart’s role has been part funded between Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership, South Somerset District Council, England Athletics and Yeovil Olympiads Athletics Club.