19 April 2010

Taking advantage of the great weather conditions this weekend, thousands were in Trafalger Square London  to take part in Holland day which also incorporated a high quality Pole Vault event.

The UK’s leading young pole vault talent in the shape of Andrew Sutcliffe, Matt Devereux, Nick Crutchley, Holly Bleasdale, Sally Scott, Katie Byres, Abigail Haywood and Sophie Upton, took part in the first ever Pole vault demonstration in Trafalgar Square, London together with another eight dutch vaulters.

The pole vaulting took place, in five different groups, throughout the afternoon and the atmosphere was strikingly different to the traditional track  and field arena with support up close to the vaulters.

UKA National Event Coach for Pole Vault Steve Rippon said: “The day was a huge success and enjoyed as much by the crowd as the athletes. It’s important to take athletics to the people so we can encourage more participation and spectators to athletics events and stadiums. Staging Street Pole vaulting is commonplace around Europe and we hope that this pole vaulting event will be the first of many showcasing all athletic events in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics.”