<11-07-06> - Primary Cross Country Runners Head For Symmons Plains

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06 Aug 2006

More than 1000 schoolchildren from across Tasmania will head to Symmons
Plains in the north of the State tomorrow (Wednesday 12 July) for the 2006
Tasmanian Primary Cross Country Championships.

Athletics Tasmania President, Brian Roe said that the sport was delighted by
the entry.

“We have almost 100 schools sending young runners. When our officials
finished processing entries on Monday night we had 587 boys and 469 girls in
the eight events to be contested.

“The great thing about this is that the emphasis is clearly on participation.
Whilst we will be selecting a team out of the Championships to represent
Tasmania in the National Primary Cross Country Exchange to be held in
Hobart at the end of August, the great majority of tomorrow’s competitors will
be taking part for the enjoyment of sport.”

Mr Roe said that the 96 schools that have entered represent the full spectrum of
state and private schools from all corners of the State, evidenced by entrants,
for example, from Redpa, Snug and Winnaleah.

The largest entries from individual schools have come from Scotch Oakburn
(61) and Hagley Farm Primary (58).

Competition will be held in the 9 years, 10 years, 11 years and 12 years age
groups for boys and girls on both an individual and team basis.

“We included the 9 years age group for the first time this year because of a
perceived demand, a decision which has obviously been vindicated with 91
boys and 86 girls entered so far, Mr Roe said.

The first event (12 years boys) begins at 11.00am with the last event under way
at 12.15pm.

Launceston – 11 July 2006

Further information: Brian Roe 0438 604 571