Athletes across North East ready for Typhoo regional athletics
150 athletes from clubs and schools across the region will take part in the Typhoo North East regional athletics event at Gateshead Stadium on Wednesday 11th May 2016.
Typhoo and national charity the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) have teamed up to ensure more disabled athletes have access to participation opportunities across England.
The North East event is one of a number of regional meets taking place this summer. Under the banner Typhoo Sports for All the programme aims to increase disabled people’s access to local athletics competition.
Jayne Geary, Sport, Lifestyle and Health Development Manager at Gateshead Council, and an organiser of the event, said:
“This is a fantastic event that is a pathway for talented disabled athletes from across the North East to come together and compete at Gateshead International Stadium, which has seen athletes such as Mo Farah and Stephen Miller compete!
"For some athletes this is their first experience of an athletics competition, however, many have been involved for a number of years and have represented Team North East at the Typhoo National Athletics Championships.
"The event would not take place without the dedicated team of organisers and volunteers who ensure the event runs smoothly.”
Somnath Saha CEO of Typhoo Tea Ltd said:
“Typhoo is delighted to continue our partnership with EFDS. We are looking forward to supporting more disabled people to access sport as part of our ongoing Sports for All programme.”
Barry Horne, Chief Executive for EFDS, said:
“We’re delighted to be working again with Typhoo on this much-loved programme. It is always brilliant to see how many people get involved in this athletics programme, both competitors and volunteers. This is testament to the hard work that takes place every year. Typhoo’s support is extremely valuable and will ensure more disabled people use this opportunity to be active for life.”
Disabled athletes at the regional qualifiers are aiming for a place in their regional team at the National Junior Athletics Championships- the programme climax on 2-3 July 2016. Over 250 12-20 year olds will take part over that weekend at Warwick Athletics Stadium, where you can spot future stars.
Last year, thanks to Typhoo, 1400 disabled athletes took part across England. For over 25 years, the National event has provided thousands of young disabled athletes with the opportunity to develop their talent and compete against others from across the country. The full track and field programme means athletes with a wide range of impairments can take part- something, which is not often supported at many other events.
Many elite disabled athletes began their golden careers at the national event. Paralympians Hannah Cockroft, Shelly Woods, Aled Davies and Hollie Arnold were once junior participants who moved up the ranks to become world-class athletes.
Teams of dedicated volunteers deliver regional events, including long-term partner Lions Club International.
