Young Sportshall competitors display their awards

The North Devon Leisure Centre was the venue for two Sportshall Athletics competitions with more than 100 athletes attending from nine schools and colleges.

A mighty leap in the Sportshall event

The North Devon Secondary Sportshall Athletics final returned for a third year, with athletes aged between 11 and 13.

This was a fiercely fought competition with both track and field events, including long jump, shot, speed bounce, long distance races and sprints, finishing with an obstacle and hurdle relay.

Winners for the third year running were Great Torrington School, with only a point splitting second placed Ilfracombe and third placed Bideford schools.

Both Great Torrington and Ilfracombe are off to the County Sportshall Athletics competition on the March 12 as part of the School Games.

Next day saw the first Ability Sportshall Athletics Competition.

This event was designed to give students with special educational needs or a disability the chance to experience and compete in a new sport.

Athletes aged 11-19 from Petroc college and Lampard School took part in 10 different – target throw, reaction wall, speed bounce, long jump, chest push, grip test, hi-steppers race, flat race, obstacle and hurdle relay.

The events were held with the assistance of 35 volunteers from Petroc College.

Tammy Snowsill, North Devon School Games organiser, said: “The young people had a fantastic day. They surprised themselves and also the organisers with what they could achieve. It was truly inspiring to see that they were so keen to take part in all the activities. The volunteers recommended awards to those who made the greatest effort. To see their faces full of joy and pride when they were presented with their prizes was especially memorable.’