DEBUT VICTORY AT DYFED EVENT
DYFED, one of the eight districts within Welsh Athletics, held the annual Dyfed Primary Schools Athletics Championships at Carmarthen Leisure Centre’s athletics track last Wednesday, following on from the superb cross-country championships held at the United Counties Showground in early April that had more than 1,200 participants.
Ron Mounsey from sponsors McDonald’s has been a great supporter of school athletics and cross country in Dyfed for a number of years and said: “We at McDonald’s are very proud to once again be sponsoring primary schools athletics competitions in Dyfed this year.
“It is a privilege to see so many young children taking part in sport and enjoying the competitions that are on offer in West Wales.”
On a warm and sunny Wednesday evening, the 32nd annual event attracted more than 300 athletes from 40 schools and hundreds of spectators and teachers from all corners of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.
Cllr Gareth John (Deputy Mayor of Carmarthen) and Gareth Morgans (Carmarthenshire director of education and children service) helped with the presentation of awards to the top four in each event.
The event programme included 14 competitions over three hours, and taking the individual gold medals were Mia Thomas (Bro Banw), Aiden Jones (Saron), Casi Gregson (Carreg Hirfaen), Rhodri Roberts (Iau Llangennech), Ellie-May John (Gwenllian), Macsen Toogood (Teilo Sant), Marged Jones (Y Dderwen), Rhys Davies (Y Ddwylan), Yasmin Burgess-Williams (Llandovery College), Cai Allan (Bro Pedr), Erin Jones (Llangadog) and James Sloyan (Model).
Ysgol Llangadog and Ysgol Teilo Sant were the victors in the 4x100m sprint relay.
For the first time the overall winning shield went to Ysgol Gynradd Llangadog, who scored well in a number of disciplines, including the shot, hurdles, 100m and relay. They won the 2019 title with 34 points.
Ysgol Iau Llangennech, Llanelli, took the runners-up spot for the second year in succession with 26 points, and Ysgol y Dderwen (23) took third spot with a number of top placings within their squad.
Ysgol Teilo Sant, Llandovery College, Johnstown School, Ysgol Rhys Pritchard, Tenby Juniors, Ysgol Griffith Jones and Model School were all in the top 10.
Dyfed Primary Schools will next head to Swansea University’s athletics track for the annual inter-district match with West Glamorgan Primary Schools on Wednesday, July 17 (5.15pm). The first four in the Dyfed championships have been selected to represent the district at the event.
Athletics in schools is continuing over the coming weeks for secondary pupils with the staging of the Ceredigion, Brianne, Pembrokeshire and Llanelli Secondary Schools area matches, which lead on to the Dyfed Championships in Carmarthen over a two-day competition in June.