DSAuk Junior champions go for gold

For the first time in the event’s history the Nationwide Junior Athletics Championships will be held at the Westwood Athletics Track at the University of Warwick. Being held over this weekend, the event will welcome over 250 competitors to take part in the biggest national competition of its kind. Disabled athletes aged 12-20 will compete in a full track and field programme- going for gold.

Held for many decades, the event organised by the English Federation of Disability Sport is a permanent fixture on the sporting calendar. With a lot of athletes developing from this junior event and going on to become Paralympians, it is a great chance to spot future stars. The 12-20 year olds have all competed in Nationwide regional qualifiers or reached the entry standard.

The DSAuk has several athletes competing over the weekend some of them having qualified through the DSA national games. Dylan Beaumont and Matt Topping both pictured will be competing along with other talented young athletes from around the country.

New and aspiring athletes will get their chance to compete and gain the experience to focus them on their goal of competing in Rio in 2016.

Job King from England Athletics said:

“The DSE National Junior Athletics provides a fantastic experience of competition for athletes new to athletics and those looking to make the next step to national recognition. It is a vital event for talented athletes being found by Playground to Podium to showcase their ability.”

The event provides competition for athletes of all impairments and the team trophy is a hotly contested affair for the athletes of the regions competing.

This National Championship is sponsored by Nationwide Building Society and supported by Lions Club International, Hilton in the Community Foundation and Water Direct. Nationwide Building Society has been a long term sponsor since 2000 and enjoyed following hundreds of disabled athletes win gold in their sport. As a partner for both swimming and athletics, Nationwide’s support is paramount for future champions.