28th August 2008

The third annual UK School Games rolls into Bath and Bristol this summer, with the Olympics now over and the Paralympics now hugely anticipated, selected representatives of the 12 regions and Celtic nations have the chance to experience the buzz and excitement of a multi-events championship, and decorate it with performances of the highest standard.

Newly introduced to the events schedule is Hockey, with athletics set to take centre stage at the University of Bath on the 30th and 31st of August 2008.

Many of the names and faces will be familiar to athletics fans, keeping their eye on the up and coming talent in track and field.

Fresh from success at the England Athletics Under 17/Under 15 Championships held at the Alexander Stadium, Shaunna Thompson (Sale Harriers) lines up for the North West looking for a repeat performance in the women’s 200m, with English Schools Champions Rowena Cole (Coventry Godiva) and Laura Park (Ellenborough AC) looking to make it a hat trick of titles in the 800m and 3000m respectively.

Katarina Thompson (Liverpool Harriers) leads the UK in the high jump, and after a successful summer representing Great Britain at the Norwich Union Under 20/Under 23 Combined Events International, Thompson will want to continue her successful season.

Promising young thrower Vicky Silk represents the South East over the this weekend in the Ambulant Discus event, with Daniel Lucker (Wheelchair 200m) and Emma Sullivan (ambulant discus) ensure that that a strong contingent for Wales is represented in disability athletics.

The sand pit is where Dwyte Smith (Ashford AC) and Julien Allwood (Herne Hill Harriers) will be looking to shine, competing in the long and triple jump respectively. Smith is also a gifted triple jumper, ranking 3rd in the Under 17 list on the Power of 10, but is opting for the long jump, where he excelled at the England Athletics Under 17/Under 15 Championships.

Paul Thompson of Birmingham Rowheath, is also chasing a hat trick of titles this summer at the UK School Games, when he takes to the track in the 3000m, and one of the UK’s leading pole vaulters in the under 17 age group, Gregor Maclean lining up for Scotland. Joe Kent (Horsham Blue Stars), who has cleared 5cm higher than his rivals at the UK School Games, will be looking to consolidate his 2nd place in the power of 10 rankings, if not claim the top spot from Sam Bailey (Chelmsford), who is absent.

Action is set to begin on Saturday 30th August at 10:00, with the men’s hammer the first final of the day, concluding at 17:00 in the evening.

For more information on the UK School Games Athletics Competition, click here