Norwich Union Star:track - Summer Athletics Week

Monday 30th July to Friday 3rd August 2007
Held at William Scholes Playing Fields Track, Gatley.

Photos available here.

This was our fourth year of staging the Star:track Sessions and they are getting more popular every year. We had 57 youngsters take part aged 7-15 years, all from the local area, this is our best turn out so far. Each youngster on the scheme received a 'Goodie Bag' - a useful backpack containing T-Shirt, drinks bottle, Sweat Bands and Athletics Booklet - great value for money. These sessions were jointly funded with grants from Sport Relief, Foundation for Sports and Arts and also Norwich Union Shine Awards, All this enabled basic maintenance work to be carried out at the track and also to allow everyone access to the sessions.

The first day was fine and sunny so we were able to use the William Scholes Track at Gatley and we covered Javelin, Shot Putt, Discus, running over 60m, 75m, 80m, 100m and 600m and the standing long jump. On the Tuesday & Wednesday the weather got even better and we were able to cover High Jump, mini hurdles, triple jump and more distance track running.

Thursday saw us on the track at William Scholes Playing Fields for the 'Mile Challenge' Event organised by UK Athletics to raise funds for the Athletes competing in the 2012 Olympics. All the youngsters took part with the younger Athletes completing the Mile in relays of four over 16 laps with a rest of 3 laps in every four - the older Athletes completed the four laps in one go. All the youngsters really enjoyed the challenge and we raised in excess of £60 for the Athletes:foundation, which aims to provide direct help in the run up to the London Olympics in 2012.

After the main event the youngsters had enough energy to have a go at the Long Jump, Triple Jump and some more sprints and throws.

On our final day, Friday, we were very fortunate to have the help of James Hillier, ex 4 x 400m Commonwealth Silver Medallist in 2002, also Welsh Champion over the 100m and 400m hurdles who came along to assist with the session courtesy of Sporting Champions. James really got involved in the session and we had a super morning covering hurdling with the youngsters and finishing with mixed ability relays. The weather was great and everyone really had a great time. James chatted to all the youngsters about his career and signed numerous autographs for the young athletes. He told the youngsters how he got the medals, how he came into the sport and gave advice and encouragement. At the end of the session James gave out the Star:track medals and certificates which are supported by Norwich Union Shine Awards to reward the effort and ability shown by every youngster who attended the course.

Every youngster taking part was encouraged to come along and join Manchester Harriers & A.C. They were given information on our activities and where and when we meet. As a Club we hope to encourage more youngsters into the sport and help them achieve a healthier lifestyle.

The Club could not do this without our Coaches, Officials and Helpers all of whom are unpaid volunteers who give up their time to help promote Athletics within the Stockport and Manchester Boroughs. So, a very big thank you to everyone who helped to put on this Star:track week, we could not do it without them.

Debbie Beresford - Girls Team Secretary & Star:track coordinator