“The Bear” – April 2006

ENGLAND ATHLETICS

WEST MIDLANDS REGION

The new structure for athletics came into effect from 1^st April. A major aim will be to ensure deliverers are closer to local/club needs.

 

At this stage preparations for our region – Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire Worcestershire, Warwickshire – have been ably led by Interim Chairman John GRAVES, supported by a wide ranging group with a wealth of experience, including Stewart HARRIS, Graham HEELEY, Colin KIRKHAM in order to pave the way for an elected Council, which should be in place by the END OF JUNE.

 

England Athletics and John GRAVES will communicate more detail to clubs etc. But your attention is drawn to ITEM 6 in the accompanying minutes of the Warwickshire County AA General Meeting, held on 29^th March.

 

The Association’s Treasurer, Stewart BARNES, we believe is a very suitable Regional Council Candidate and would communicate and represent you well.

WEBSITE – (www.warwickshirecountyaa.co.uk) – Warwickshire County Athletics Association is a conduit for you, providing opportunity, competition, support and expecting your commitment in return. We are constantly trying to raise our profile and improve communication. The website therefore is a valuable tool and we seek to provide up to date information. Hopefully the site will be regularly visited and patience practised as we get things in place.

 

Our hope is to provide an updated service with ready access to WCAA promotions, entry forms, fixture information, ‘the bear’, County selections, post competition information, etc. Help us to get everything in place over the next few months please.

 

WARWICKSHIRE, LEICESTERSHIRE TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS –

Edmondscote, Leamington Spa – Saturday 13^th & Sunday 14^th May 2006.

We WANT your entry – Closing date Wednesday 19^th April

Should you experience difficulties downloading forms and require copies please contact Stewart HARRIS (01788 811871)

 

EVENTS PAST – in a very busy period

CROSS COUNTRY – Inter Counties Championships, Wollaton Park Nottingham 11^th March – Not the triumph of 2005, but plenty to encourage…….

All ten teams closed and based on positions in all age groups (equal weighting for aggregate score)..1^st North East Counties   2^nd Yorkshire   3^rd Essex   …..

6^th Warwickshire.

Nine athletes achieved a top 20 placing.

Under 17 Women Team 4^th.   Under 17 Men 5^th     and Lee CAREY (Nuneaton Harriers – 2005 Under 17 Champion as an Under 17 won the Under 20, Junior Men’s World Trial Race.     (Lee placed 64^th, 2^nd British counter in Fukuoka, Japan)

But congratulations, and thanks to all who contributed to such a busy day.

 

RACE WALKING Inter Counties Championships, Coventry, 12^th March.

SENIOR MEN – 1^st Hampshire   2^nd Warwickshire    3^rd Essex

SENIOR WOMEN – 1^st Warwickshire   2^nd Worcestershire   3^rd Essex

and with two age group victories (Under 15 Boys Mark HALLIDAY – Coventry Godiva Harriers,   Under 13 Girls Jessica TANLEY – Nuneaton Harriers) An Overall Win?

 

ROAD – Inter Counties Championships

10K – 19^th March – Eastleigh, Hampshire

SENIOR MEN – 1^st Surrey……..9^th Warwickshire

SENIOR WOMEN – 1^st Hampshire         9^th Warwickshire

HALF MARATHON –2^nd April – Ackworth, Yorkshire

            SENIOR MEN – 1^st Yorkshire         Warwickshire just missing medals.

Details on website – (www.warwickshirecountyaa.co.uk). Thanks to Tom and Pauline DABLE for their work, and to the athletes for supporting events early in the year.

 

PROMOTIONS – Warwickshire Open Road Relays, Saturday 18^th March.

A week earlier this year, and was it ever colder?(!)

Coventry Godiva Harriers won both events. Thanks go to all who supported or made arrangements.

 

SNIPPETS:

Good to learn Level 1 Coaches and Officials courses at Coventry on 1^st April were well supported.

 

Congratulations will go to a number of ‘worthies’ with Warwickshire connections who are to be recognised for their work at an awards ceremony on 9^th April at the NIA, Birmingham (National Sportshall Finals).

 

Two Clubs recently applied to the Association for £150 grants and received a cheque within seven days. (Coventry Godiva are using their grant to produce a Members Handbook, towards their Clubmark. They offer the template to assist other clubs achieve their award).

 

AND NOW LOOKING FORWARD

COUNTY ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS

            Half Marathon – Sunday 7^th May @ Stratford

            10k – Sunday 4^th June @ Northbrook, Coventry

Please indicate eligibility clearly when entering. Additional winners medals to 1^st W55 and 1^st M60.

 

Inter Counties Track & Field Senior Championships – Bedford, Sunday 28^th and Monday 29^th May 2006 – Contact Ian RILEY 0121-353-2073

 

And 2^nd Greater Warwickshire Development Forum – Wednesday 24^th May 7.00pm at Nuneaton Harriers, Headquarters, The Pingles.

 

OTHER EVENTS

Leamington C & AC are holding 5000m and 10000m Club track Championships at Edmondscote Stadium, Leamington Spa. The races will be included in an ‘Open Race’. They are therefore inviting athletes to enter on the day. Registration will close at 6.45pm with races commencing at 7.00pm. Where entries warrant Graded Races will be formulated. There will be no entry fee although entrance to the stadium will have to be paid.

The 5000m will be held on Wednesday 27^th June.

The 10000m will be on Wednesday 11^th July.

 

Next issue of the bear’….Late May……….But keep following him!!