FROM
ODYSSEY TO THE OLYMPICS
The Next Generation of Stars
‘Search
For A Star’ Primary School Initiative
Last
year, the NIAF in conjunction with the Belfast City Council held
a very successful scheme of indoor athletics for primary seven
children (P7). Throughout the Greater Belfast area, 15 schools
and approximately 500 pupils took part in the scheme which culminated
in a final at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast.
This
year the scheme has been expanded to cover more of the province
and will include a team from the North West, North Down and the
Greater Belfast regions.
The
‘Search For a Star’ athletics scheme includes ‘taster’
sessions at the various primary schools followed by a regional
heat. From the regional heats, scores will be compared and the
top twenty athletes from each region will receive an invite to
the final at the Odyssey Arena on Sunday 27th January.
NIAF
development staff under the guidance of three-times Olympian Jackie
McKernan, will be working with schools in the run-up to the event
to provide young people with introductory athletics activities
based on the Sportshall model. Athletes will be given the opportunity
to participate in running, jumping and throwing events and there
will be an inter-regional relay.
 |
| Lord
Mayor Pat McCarthy &
Vice-Chairman of SCNI Gerry Carson with
children from St. Bernard’s PS taking
part in the ‘Search for A Star’ Initiative. |
