20 August 2016 

300 of world’s best para-athletes will descend on the Coventry this weekend for the prestigious Godiva Classic, held at the Coventry Athletics Track, University of Warwick.  

Celebrating the fifth year of the event, Coventry’s Godiva’s Kare Adenegan, Mel Nicholls and Ben Rowlings will be joined by the likes of Coventry University’s triple world champion Hannah Cockroft and many more in their final competition before they depart for the Paralympic Games.

They will be in esteemed company with Commonwealth Games gold medallist Libby Clegg, World Para-Athletics 100m champion Sophie Hahn both from Charnwood AC looking to continue their impressive form, with Canada’s 14-time global gold medallist Brent Lakatos bringing an international feel to the event.

Over 140 disabled athletes from across the UK and Ireland will be competing alongside club athletes from Coventry and across the Midlands, including a ‘Godiva Kids’ quadrathlon for under 11’s. The event is run entirely by volunteers and with generous support from SAPCA, British Athletics and Medwell Hyde.

Adenegan, 15, who attends Bablake School and took up the sport after being inspired by London 2012 said: “The Godiva Classic is by far the best event of the year. As a Coventry girl and a Godiva myself it is always great to compete at home. We have the privilege of training on a fast Mondo track and this produces great times for wheelchair racers during the event which always makes it the go-to event of the year.” 

Paralympic Head Coach, Paul Dunn added: “The Godiva Classic has become a key event in our calendar and we are very supportive of the club’s continued support of para-athletics.

“The numbers and quality of athletes entered clearly demonstrates how the competition is viewed and will be a great last opportunity for many before we depart to our holding camp in Belo Horizonte.”

Spectator Information:

Entry is free for spectators on Sunday 21 ^st August, events from 10:00 – 17:00. 

Directions: Car Park 16, University of Warwick, Kirby Corner Road, Coventry.

BBQ food provided by ‘Farmers Fayre’.