Athletics: Cwmbran host stars of tomorrow

Mar 8 2008 Bob Cypher, South Wales Echo

SCHOOL children from across Wales will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of Athens Olympians Kelly Sotherton and Mark Lewis Francis tomorrow at Cwmbran Stadium for the Norwich Union Sportshall Wales Final.

Not only will the rising talents by vying for podium places, they will also be bidding for a spot at the UK final which will be staged in Birmingham’s NEC arena on Saturday, April 12, to take on Scotland, Ulster and England.

“The Sportshall Athletics programme, which takes place through the winter months, is a chance for those who would usually hang up their spikes for the winter to get back into a competitive athletic environment before the athletics season begins,” said Welsh Athletics development officer Chris Moss.

“The whole initiative is a great way for young athletes to develop their skills and enjoy athletics in a fun, safe environment. From past results, you can see the calibre of the athletes that have taken part in Sportshall Athletics –some have gone on to represent Great Britain.” at World Championships and Olympic Games.”