Athletics: New schools role for secretary Kath

Nov 17 2007 by Bob Cypher, South Wales Echo

THIS year has been a strange one for Kath Elias, secretary of Cardiff & the Vale Schools AA and acting secretary of Cardiff AAC.

After service to athletics in Wales dating back to 1969, the former Welsh Schools international hurdler – and mum to Commonwealth Games double silver medallist Matt – was rewarded for her efforts in July of this year when she was presented with a Meritorious Service plaque by Welsh Athletics President, Alan Currie, at the NASUWT Welsh Schools Cup Finals at Brecon.

At the end of that month, Kath retired from her teaching post at Llantwit Major Comprehensive after 13 successful years.

Any thoughts of a quieter lifestyle have had to be put on the back burner because an unexpected mid-term vacancy in the Welsh Schools’ AA has resulted in the Llanishen resident being invited to take up the vice-chairman’s post – an invitation she accepted.

The last time that Cardiff & the Vale Schools provided the National Schools chairman was from 1997 to 1999 when Graham Webb (Cardiff High) filled the role.

With office holders staying in post for two years, Kath is likely to succeed the current chairman in December 2008.