FROM ODYSSEY TO THE OLYMPICS
The Next Generation of Stars

‘Search For A Star’ Initiative

Athletics NI Primary School Sports Hall

Over the past few years Athletics NI have held a very successful scheme of indoor athletics for primary schools held initially in the Belfast Area, with a final at the Odyssey Arena Belfast. This was in conjunction with the Irish Indoor Athletic Championships.

Due to the success of the scheme, this year we have expanded it to other areas outside Belfast to make the final event in the Odyssey a bigger and better event. This year we are having area competitions in the following areas; Banbridge, Belfast, Lisburn, North Down and the North West.

Athletics Northern Ireland development staff under the guidance of three-times Olympian Jackie McKernan, will be working with schools in the run-up to the event to provide young people with introductory athletics and help the athletes taking part with their fundamental skills, such as running, jumping, throwing and learning to be part of a team.

The ‘Search For a Star’ athletics scheme includes ‘taster’ sessions at the various primary schools followed by a regional heat. From the regional heats, scores will be compared and the top twenty athletes from each region will receive an invite to the grand final at the Odyssey Arena on Sunday 8th February.

In the area competitions a team is made up of 10 P7 pupils (mixed girls & boys). Each athlete has to take part in 4 events- 60 metre sprint, standing long jump, chest push and speed bounce.