<12.07.06> - Medals Go All Over The State From Primary Schools Cross Country

---

06 Aug 2006

It was a case of talent emerging from all over the State at today’s 2006
Tasmanian Primary Cross Country Championships at Symmons Plains.

Of the 24 individual medals on offer, athletes from 21 different schools shared
in the spoils. Only three schools – Hagley Farm, New Norfolk and St Cuthberts
produced more than one medallist.

Athletics Tasmania President, Brian Roe was very happy with the outcome for
the sport.

“Today we had 1067 entries from 97 primary schools from right across
Tasmania. The cold conditions of the last few days did not deter them in the
least and we ended up with marvellous participation levels and some
encouraging results talent wise.

“What is really exciting is that the medallists came from so many different
schools and from all parts of the State. It is great to see country schools, for
example, like Dunalley, Margate, Snug and Winnaleah producing athletes
capable of winning medals in these events,” Mr Roe said
Tasmanian Institute of Sport Track and Field Co-ordinator, Peter Fortune was
also impressed.

“Both the primary and secondary championships over the last eight days have
shown that we have both the interest in participation and the talent to make
athletics a really significant sport in this State once again,” Mr Fortune said.
He was also excited about the fact that the talent was so widely spread around
the State.

Mr Roe said that his Association was very impressed with the support received
from schools and congratulated teachers and parents on encouraging
participation at such high levels.

He said that AT believed that he teams component of the championships was
really important as it provided an opportunity for young athletes to work
together and to try for the best possible team result.

Mr Roe congratulated Hagley Farm School (with four medals) and Riverside
Primary (with three) on being the most successful in the team meals count, in
which 14 different schools featured.

He said that AT’s attention would now turn to the staging of the Australian
Schools Cross Championships at Brighton in August.

The first five finishers in each of the 10, 11 and 12 years age groups contested
today, will be offered a place in the Tasmanian Team for the Primary Exchange
component of the Championships.

Launceston – 12 July 2006
Further information: Brian Roe 0438 604 571

[Full results will appear on the AT website – www.tasathletics.org.au later today]

[Print friendly copies will be forwarded to the written media for publication]