Inclusion programme athletes are praised by club
Perth Strathtay Harriers are celebrating another successful year - with special mention for the inclusion programme athletes.
The Fair City club has athletes from across the disability spectrum, training and competing throughout the year.
Scottish Disability Sport groups athletes into those with a physical, sensory or learning disability and Perth members performed impressively.
“Our success started early in 2016 with under-13 girl, Freya Howgate, winning her T37 classification Cross Country series of races back in January and March,” a Harriers spokesperson said.
“Freya went on to win Scottish national and UK titles later in the year. Then in June at the Scottish Junior Championships, Perth had a large turnout of athletes winning more gold medals than ever before.
“Niamh Sandeman won each of her three racerunning events to complete a wonderful day.
“Michael and Kevin Rice have won medals at senior championships for a number of years and 2016 was no different with podium finishes for both at this year’s Senior National Championships both on the track and in the field.
“And in her first full season of wheelchair racing Paige Bailey from Bankfoot travelled throughout the UK setting some wonderful personal bests in her sprint and throwing events.”
Luncarty Primary School pupil Matthew Doig has enjoyed a busy season competing on both home soil and abroad.
“One of many highlights for Matthew Doig was his trip to Denmark in July to compete in the European Racerunning Championships. Personal best performances and five gold medals made it a trip to remember.
“Matthew was to go on to compete in England later in the year and win even more medals.”
In 2016, the inclusive coaching team ran a number of outreach sessions around Perth and Kinross and the Harriers are proud to welcome athletes from across Perthshire and beyond.
Hosting events have also been on the schedule this year with over 200 competitors visiting for the Perth Open Championships.
“More than 60 track and field events delighted the large crowd throughout the day.
“Notable performances from Stevie Dickson, Andrew Smith and Glenn Jones capped a great season for the seniors and Cameron Wilson, Lachlan Davies Howie and Calum MacGregor posted excellent results in the junior competition.
“The great performances and fantastic feedback made it all worthwhile.”
The club is grateful for the support received and added: “None of this supported programme would be possible without the outstanding volunteer coaching team and wonderful parents and carers.
“They give up so much of their time to help the athletes take part.
“The support of Perth and Kinross Council to the club has been instrumental in our ongoing success.
“Thanks to the Gannochy Trust for their long time commitment to our development programmes.”