Club Competition 2023

There was a great buzz around the track on Thursday night as over 80 athletes turned out for the 2023 Club Competition.

A busy night was in store – entries for all the field events were up on last year’s numbers which goes to show the progress the club has made in the last year especially in the field events. As an example, last year just 4 under 11s took part in the long jump. This year, it was by far the most popular event with 17 athletes taking part and they certainly kept the officials busy. Out of 51 jumps, only one was a no-jump!

17 teams assembled for the final event, the 4x100m with the winning team comprising of Moray, Mia, Nathan and Kieran taking the honours. There were a few last minute substitutions so a big thank you for the athletes who were coaxed on to the track at short notice.

It goes without saying, this event doesn’t happen without the support of our officials and volunteers who gave up their time to help run this event; the coaches who take great pride seeing their athletes perform and the parents who bring their athletes to the track. It would be fantastic to see some more athletes progressing to league competition next summer and if they can’t wait until then, at the cross country races which are coming up soon.

Special mention to Andy Sobik and Susan took the lead in setting up on the day, arriving at the track at 2pm to ensure that everything was ready to go at 5pm for the start of registration.

As well as all the event winners, there were presentations to Alison Chalmers (Welfare Officer) and Andy Sobik who is hanging up his stopwatch and stepping back from coaching. Over the years, Andy has been involved in pretty much every club activity there has been – coach, team manager, committee member, event organiser, handy-man to name but a few. Fortunately, Andy will still be involved with the committee and other assisting at future club events. Alison Chalmers, our outgoing Welfare Officer has been involved with the club for over 20 years and hands over to Susan.

Finally, whilst there were many impressive performances on the track, the biggest surprise of the night came from the adjacent football pitch where not a single ball landed on the athletics track!