Lizzy gets international call-up (From Barry And District News)

Lizzy gets international call-up

VALE AND Barry Harriers athlete Lizzy Kelf has been selected to represent South Wales in the javelin event at the Welsh Schools' Championships.

A pupil at Llantwit Major Comprehensive School, Lizzy has been involved with athletics for a number of years and is the only person in the school's history to have won "the treble" - junior, senior and GCSE cups.

Lizzy has a proven track record with the Harriers and, as well as taking part in her strongest javelin event, she has competed in long jump and distance running.

Now aged 17, she will be joining Welsh coach Alison Hourihan for specialist sessions in Cardiff. "I've always enjoyed taking part in athletics and, having really developed my competitive edge, am delighted to have been selected to compete for the Welsh championships", said Lizzy, who has added another string to her bow by becoming involved with the coaching of the younger club members.

Qualified as a Dragon Sport helper since last summer, Lizzy now assists with the indoor winter fun and fitness Dragon Sport training sessions for both under-11s (6pm to 7pm) and over-11s (7pm to 8pm).

The Dragon Sport course for organisers and helpers covers the basic principles of coaching in a safe, fun sports environment, and concentrates on using specially designed resource cards which come in the free equipment bag each club receives when they sign up for the Sports Council for Wales funded scheme.

The scheme has also assisted Lizzy and other club members by funding the opportunity to gain Level One Athletics Coaching Awards, and ensured that she, fellow athlete Matthew Taylor, club coaches Amanda Malkin and Debbie Baulchin and child protection officer Pam Kelf can deliver quality sessions every Tuesday night at the new Colcot Sports Centre.

The Dragon Sport sessions have proved a hit with the younger club members, but with Sporthall Athletics Competitions looming, the Harriers are always on the look out for new talent.

Cllr Tony Hampton, the Vale's Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: "It really is encouraging to see athletes such as Lizzy giving up their own time to coach and motivate younger athletes.

"The Dragon Sport sessions run by the Harriers really do reinforce and build upon the initial experiences offered to children through the curriculum. It really is an excellent opportunity for juniors to become fit and healthy and to get involved in sport at a level of their choice."

Anyone wishing to take part in the Dragon Sport sessions at the Colcot Sports Centre every Tuesday, either to prepare for the summer athletics season or just for fun, can contact Rachel McGuinness on 01446 704681. Alternatively, anyone wishing to be involved in coaching athletics can call Rachel for further details.