BAC’s youngest athletes impress at QuadKids events despite bad weather
BAC’s youngest athletes took part in the club’s final two QuadKids competition evenings of the season held at our Sandy track in mid-September.
The first of those events, on Tuesday September 10, was unfortunately hit by dreadful weather and the wet, windy and cold conditions not surprisingly resulted in a low turnout. In addition, one of the six youngsters who did arrive hurt his foot and had to pull out.
“Very well done to everyone who turned up and gave it their all in the horrible weather − it was not easy,” reported Louise Cant, BAC’s coach for fundamentals who works with that group. “The results unfortunately reflected the weather but there were a couple of highlights worth mentioning.”
The first was Rowan making his debut appearance in a QuadKids event after only starting with BAC a short time ago. “We were all so impressed with Rowan. He took part in all four events and came away with some great times and distances. Well done Rowan!” said Louise.
The second was Katie achieving a huge new PB in the 600m where she knocked 25 seconds of her previous best time. “She won't mind me saying that the 600m is not her favourite event so big congratulations on that achievement.”
This month’s second QuadKids competition evening, on Thursday September 12, saw a slight improvement in the weather – it was still windy and cold but at least the rain held off until the final event, the 600m.
“Nine children took part, still a slightly smaller number than we had hoped for, but those who were there did great when it came to layering up between events,” reported Louise.
“We are very proud of Amarlia, Bethanie, Ezra, Freddie and Leo who took part in their first competition after only joining us a short while ago. They all did so well and despite the cold weather it was lovely to see the smile on all their faces while taking part.
“I would also like to say a big well done to Jayden who added almost 70cm to his long jump PB and it was lovely to see Ava, Theia and Lewis improving in at least one of their four events.”
Summing up this year’s QuadKids programme, Louise commented: “I really feel that taking part in QuadKids at a younger age is a great experience for the children. To take part in a track and field competition using qualified officials and a starter (which takes a little getting used to) is such a good start for the children's athletics careers.
“We held three competitions this year. Each time, the children received a certificate displaying all their results and points scored. We encourage them to keep their certificates and see how they progress at each event. Well done to everyone who took part this year.
“I would also like to say thank you so much to all the officials, timekeepers and starter − we couldn't hold these events without you. Also, thank you to all our parent helpers whose extra hands really do help make these evenings a success.”
*QuadKids is a competition for U-11s encompassing four events - the 75m, 600m, long jump and vortex howler (throwing implement). It is designed to be a first step for young athletes in the world of competitive athletics.
September 10 Results:
https://www.quadkids.org/Info/eventresults.aspx?&eventid=ff26fd9e-6fc5-4a9a-8745-88f9e0b4d422
September 12 Results:
https://www.quadkids.org/Info/eventresults.aspx?&eventid=7122281c-b563-4048-bf10-41e4be20933c