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Welsh Athletics partners with the Urdd to launch new schools athletics competition format in Wales
17/03/2023 00:00, In Blog / School News /
Welsh Athletics are delighted to announce a new partnership with Urdd Gobaith Cymru to initiate a new engaging and exciting competition format for schools athletics.
Urdd Gobaith Cymru is a National Voluntary Youth Organisation that provide opportunities for children and young people in Wales to enjoy experiences through the medium of Welsh that will enable them to make a positive contribution in their communities.
The format continues along the theme of long-term athlete development and multi-disciplinary participation that is embedded within our structures and will provide an engaging experience for young pupils who may not otherwise take part in athletics competitions.
Adopting a team-based approach, all athletes will compete in one run, one jump and one throw before all coming together for a relay at the end of the competition which will decide the winning team overall.
Rhiannon Hawker, Head of Competition at Welsh Athletics commented:
“We are excited to announce the launch of this competition format after an extensive period of planning and discussions with schools. We know the importance of the current schools pathway through the districts to the National Track & Field Championships which will remain unchanged - this new format is designed to engage with those pupils who may not currently take part in the latter stages of that journey.
A positive experience is so important in the school environment, as this is where so many of our athletes get their first taste of athletics. The team ethos, and more flexible approach sat behind this competition format will hopefully provide that and ensure that everyone who participates will go on to enjoy the sport for years to come!”
Gary Lewis, Director of Sport and Apprenticeships at the Urdd added:
“The Urdd is proud to offer invaluable inclusive sports opportunities through the medium of Welsh and bilingually for children and young people across Wales. Currently the Urdd Sport Department deliver after school sports provision, community sports clubs, regional and national events, specific national projects, coach education and apprenticeships.
Working in collaboration with Athletau Cymru, we look forward to offering even more opportunities for children and young people across Wales to access Athletics and are very excited to deliver this new format of athletics competition and look forward to seeing schools from across Wales participating.”
Two events will take place this summer, the first in Cardiff on Thursday 6 July and the second in Bangor on Tuesday 11 July and we hope that following the establishment of the concept, the competition can be rolled out further to a school district and regional level in future years as an exciting addition to the competition opportunities currently available to engage a new audience in schools athletics.
Click here for more information on the new competition format.