Welsh Athletics is throwing down the gauntlet as it begins a head-hunting mission for the next big talents.
The governing body for athletics in Wales is aiming to seek out the javelin, discus, hammer and shot stars of tomorrow by inviting secondary schools in Cardiff to dispatch pupils to a throwing masterclass.
Led by former Olympic javelin star Nigel Bevan, the High Performance Coach at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC), school-children will be treated to coaching tips at the National Indoor Athletic Centre.
Wales’ most promising hotshots - including discus thrower Brett Morse and javelin talent Lianne Clarke - will also be on hand to inspire and coach the apprentices.
Bevan explains, “I guess we’re looking for youngsters who are good at throwing things! We are targeting a number of schools in the Cardiff area and we want PE teachers to identify those youngsters who might just have future potential.
“Students will be put through their paces in shot, discus, javelin and hammer. Experienced coaches and our top athletes will be providing tips and suggestions. Based on what we observe, we will invite a number to come down to a weekly throws session.”
Bevan – who competed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games – adds, “The main aim is to discover a new era of Welsh throwers but, who knows, we might even turn up a future Olympian or World Champion.”
Welsh Athletics Chief Executive Matt Newman is eager to discover the outcomes of the school search:
“We’re committed to discovering the next generation of talent and I’m looking forward to seeing the results of this coaching session. If it is a success, we will be keen to roll it out to the rest of Wales.”
For more information, please contact Jane Williams on 029 2033 8274 or email jane.williams@scw.co.uk
