Children from primary schools across Annandale and Eskdale travelled last Friday to compete in the first Annandale and Eskdale Sportshall Athletics Finals at Moffat Academy.
Thirteen schools assembled teams, which totalled over 300 children, to take part in an exciting indoor programme of adapted athletics activities. This was a new event on the Annandale and Eskdale Primary Schools PEPAS sporting calendar, sponsored by Magnox Limited. There were track events including short and middle distance, relay races, obstacle relay and field events including standing long jump, vertical jump and the speed bounce.
After a morning of exciting competition the two teams who had accumulated the most points would progress to the regional final in January, against schools from across Dumfries and Galloway with a chance to progress to the West of Scotland Finals. Moffat Primary School was runners up with 261 points while Newington Primary School from Annan was victorious with 289 points. Hecklegirth, Lochmaben and Lockerbie followed closely behind the leaders at third, fourth and fifth.
Chair of Annandale and Eskdale Area Committee, Ronnie Ogilvie said: “This new event gives those schools that qualify for the regional finals an opportunity to experience what a regional final event will be like but more importantly gives every school and every child the opportunity to experience such an exciting event with a great atmosphere. It is a top priority of Dumfries and Galloway Council to support children to be healthy and active and this is a great way to bring all the children together while have fun at the same time.”
John Grierson, Closure Director at Chapelcross on behalf of Magnox Limited added “It’s great to see another large turnout from schools across Annandale and Eskdale for this new and exciting event and hopefully these events can unearth one of the future stars of athletics”.
Lead Officer for Active Schools and Community Sport, Calum Graham thanked Moffat Academy for hosting the event and the volunteers and young sports leaders from Moffat and Lockerbie Academy who helped deliver the track and field events for over 300 children.
Main Photo- Winners – Newington Primary School
