HORDLE WALHAMPTON HOSTS JUNIOR WESSEX ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Over 400 children from 26 schools throughout Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire met at Hordle Walhampton School on Saturday, 6th June to compete in the Junior Wessex Athletics Championships.
This is the 27th year that Hordle Walhampton has run the event, which initially began with senior girls, progressed to junior boys and now encompasses junior boys and girls from Years 3-6.
The purpose of the championship is to provide a platform for aspiring young athletes to compete against strong athletes from other schools. “The children may be the best runners, hurdlers and jumpers in their individual schools but the Junior Wessex gives them a real opportunity to test themselves against the region’s other young athletes,” said event organizer and Hordle Walhampton senior teacher, Tim Norris.
With events that included the high and long jump, hurdling, throwing, sprinting and distance races, it was a full and busy day, watched and supported by a large crowd of parents, grandparents, friends and teachers.
“The weather remained kind though a keen wind prevented the usual number of records being broken,” said Mr Norris. However, nine-year old Jasper Torr, a pupil at Hordle Walhampton, managed to break the Under 10s High Jump record with a spectacular leap of 1.23m. It proved to be the only record of the day.
Other ‘Best in Age’ successes were:
Under 10 Girls Elizabeth Curzen of Stroud School
Under 10 Boys Alex Leach of Yateley Manor School and Jasper Torr of Hordle Walhampton School (joint)
Under 11 Girls A. Belle of Farleigh School
Under 11 Boys Chris Fawcett of Yateley Manor School
Yateley Manor School also proved to be the best school in the relay competitions.
“All the young athletes are to be commended for their efforts,” said Mr Norris. “It was a pleasure to see so many of them thoroughly enjoying their sports and trying really hard. Credit also goes to our organizing team who ensured the event ran very smoothly and professionally.
Here is a link to the day’s photo gallery.