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Just one day until the Typhoo South West regional athletics championships

Over 70 athletes will take part in the Typhoo South West regional athletics on 13 May at Yeovil Athletics Track in Somerset. The regional event aims to increase the number of disabled people in athletics.

Inclusive projects manager at Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership, Jen Slade, told the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS):

“I love athletics – I think it’s a fantastically inclusive sport. It has something for everyone, and everyone can achieve. Tomorrow we’ll host a wide variety of both track and field events, and some have-a-go fun activities. But a lot of those competing are hoping to qualify for the nationals in June."

“Come down, wear suitable footwear and clothing, and you can have a go at some throwing, some running and some seated events. Tomorrow is very much an introductory level, a stepping stone that gets people used to the protocols and what it feels like to be at an athletics track. We have people who come year-in, year-out who have now developed young athletes who will be competing.”

This year, Typhoo and national charity EFDS have teamed up to ensure more disabled athletes have access to participation opportunities across England. In 2015, the renowned National Junior Athletics Championships and the nine regional qualifiers will add extra ‘OO’ through Typhoo’s name, in a bid to increase the number of disabled people in athletics.

It is the third time Typhoo has backed the charity’s work after sponsoring the Typhoo Sports for All project in 2009 and 2010. This year, the tea company is brewing up with EFDS’s Disability Sport Events programme to ensure more disabled athletes have access to local competition.

Barry Horne, Chief Executive for EFDS, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome back Typhoo to partner a much-loved programme. The number of people involved in this athletics programme, both competitors and volunteers, is testament to the hard work that takes place every year. Typhoo’s support is extremely valuable and will ensure more disabled people use this opportunity to be active for life.”

More than 1000 disabled athletes will be part of the regional qualifiers that lead to the National Junior Athletics Championships climax on 27-28 June. Over 250 12-20 year olds will take part at Warwick Athletics Stadium and history proves that there will be future stars among the competitors. There is a full track and field programme on offer, meaning athletes with a wide range of impairments can take part- something which is not often supported at many other events.

Somnath Saha CEO of Typhoo Ltd, said:

“Typhoo are delighted to renew our partnership with EFDS to help disabled people access sport as part of our ongoing Sports for All programme.”

For over 25 years, the National Junior Athletics Championships has provided thousands of young disabled athletes with the opportunity to develop their talent and compete against others from across the country.

Many elite disabled athletes began their golden careers at the national event. Paralympians Hannah Cockroft, Shelly Woods, Aled Davies and Hollie Arnold were once junior participants who moved up the ranks to become world-class athletes.

Regional events are delivered by teams of dedicated volunteers, who drive the athletes’ ambition to qualify at the Nationals. This makes them highly competitive for the team trophy at the national event. 

The Typhoo South West athletics championships runs from 10am until 2pm on 13 May. For more information about the regional event, email jslade@sasp.co.uk