Primary schools' athletics finals: Full report

The finals were a great spectacle at Blackpool Sport Centre

All of the schools battling it out at Blackpool Sports Centre had won their places in the qualifying competitions before Christmas.

Finals day featured the Champions Competition and the Plate Competition and was enjoyed by some very loud and supportive spectators, who cheered on the young sports stars through all the events.

These included the javelin, the obstacle race and the 4 x 1 relays.

Holy Family, Bispham Endowed, St John’s, Anchorsholme, Norbreck, Moor Park, Marton, Stanley, St John Vianney, Hawes Side, Revoe and Thames were the schools competing, all having worked hard to prepare for the finals day by delivering after-school clubs and competitions to select their athletes.

As with all athletics events on the Blackpool School Games Competition Calendar, Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Athletics Club worked alongside young leaders from Blackpool Sixth and Blackpool and The Fylde College to officiate and provide expert support.

The day came to an enthralling finale on the track with the 4 x 1 relay races. As the runners crossed the finish line, all eyes were on official scorekeeper Jenny Ward.

Everyone who took part was presented with a School Games Award by coach Derek Newton and English sprint champion Katy Wyper of BWFAC.

Medals were presented to St John Vianney for triumphing in the Plate Competition and to Anchorsholme for scooping the Champions Winners’ Shield.

Anchorsholme will now represent Blackpool at the Lancashire School Games Indoor Athletics County Final in Hyndburn next month.

Dave Rohman, Blackpool School Games Organiser, thanks everyone involved in the organisation of the event and said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better way to round off the Indoor Athletics for our Primary Schools.

“A competition that leads to a County Final can sometimes feel a little tense and can affect the children’s performance but none of that was evident tonight, which is testament to all the great work taking place in schools.

“The Indoor Athletics Competitions have seen over 400 children representing their school. That has been fantastic to see and hope to see as many as possible joining Derek and his team of coaches at the club sessions.

“Congratulations to St John Vianney and a huge well done to Anchorsholme.”