SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD STARS VIE FOR STATE HONOURS

The cream of Queensland’s young athletes are in Cairns this week as the city hosts the Queensland Primary School Track and Field State Championships for the first time.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford congratulated the students, aged 12 and under, on their selection for their regional teams.

“These boys and girls have shown tremendous skill and talent in the regional trials and I wish them every success when they represent their regions at the state competition,” Mr Welford said.

Almost 1000 of Queensland’s top young athletes – including more than 20 athletes with disabilities – will be competing at the two-day event, to be held at Barlow Park tomorrow and Wednesday (16-17 October).

This is the first time since 2002 that the event has been held outside south-east Queensland.

Mr Welford said students would be competing for selection at state level, ahead of the School Sports Australia Primary Track and Field Exchange, to be held in Launceston from 29 November to 3 December.

“This event is a great opportunity for the young athletes to compete at a high level while meeting their peers from across the state and sharing their experiences,” Mr Welford said.

“To be selected for your region and to compete for state honours is a significant achievement, and something these young people should be proud of.”

The first three place-getters in each event will be considered for state team selection.

“These youngsters have already done well to reach this level of their sport, and I am sure some of them have a wonderful sporting career ahead,” Mr Welford said.

“It would be wonderful to imagine that youngsters at this competition may one day follow in the footsteps of fellow Queenslanders such as Cathy Freeman, who competed in these competitions before launching her professional career.”

All 12 of the state’s sporting regions will be represented at this year’s championships: Capricornia, Darling Downs, Metropolitan West, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan East, North West, Wide Bay, South Coast, South West, Northern, Peninsula and Sunshine Coast.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 32371000