The first of three meetings for Primary School age children took place at Bangor Sportsplex on Wednesday evening (29th April). These meetings are held on the run – jump- throw principle with events in the three categories held for P5, P6 and P7 categories. Events this time were 60m, 600m, long jump and javelin. The meetings were well supported last season and the attendance on Wednesday was lower than then, almost certainly due to the dubious weather forecast. Actually the worst of the weather came immediately after the meeting.
The bulk of the athletes came either from the North Down Minis section or those on the waiting list but there was also a sprinkling from other clubs and schools in the Greater Belfast area. P6 athletes were probably more plentiful than others and there were a lot more girls than boys.
Amelia Hazle from Penrhyn PS was outstanding in all the P5 events with Stephanie Bell, Niamh Penlon and Poppy Dann doing well for the hosts. Tilly McWhinney was the best thrower. Holly Mooney (North Down) and Lara Brines (Lagan Valley) were the pick of the P6 girls. In the P6 boys, Adam Kane (City of Lisburn) was the pick with Ewan Tyler and Barney Miller flying the North Down flag. At P7, Katy Kimber, Megan Drummond and Johnny McCracken, all of whom featured heavily at U13 level for North Down last Saturday in the YDL, were conspicuous.
Thanks to all those , inside or outside the club, who officiated. Two similar meetings will be held on 10th May and 20th June.