Success at Wing Athletics 2014
On Sunday 18th May 9 cadets from 759 Beccles Squadron Air Training Corps travelled to Ipswich to take part in the Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Athletics team.
This activity is an opportunity for the cadets to socialise with other cadets from the area but also to compete against each other to win medals and trophies. Beccles squadron is one of the smaller squadrons that went to compete so that made the medals and trophies won this year look very impressive.
The 9 cadets competed in a wide range of categories from juniors to seniors and from track to field events. Each of the cadets competes in their age category which makes the competition fairer for each event. Cadet J Sparkes achieved gold for 300m and 1500m, whilst older brother Cadet N Sparkes achieved gold for 1500m and silver in 800m. Cadets H Stokes achieved gold for Long Jump. Cadet R Elmore achieved gold in Long Jump and Cadet A Cahill achieved gold in 300m.
Cadet Flight Sergeant J Roberts, Corporal H Roberts, Cadet T Walding and Cadet J Burgess all competed as well and the points they achieved went towards the overall marks for the squadron.
The Junior Boys won the Don Shield and the junior boys and Cadet N Sparkes came second for the Lush cup, which is the overall boys trophy for small squadrons. The girls came 2nd overall in the Lush Plate, which is overall girls trophy for small squadrons.
The final trophy of the day was awarded to Corporal H Roberts for Wing Female Sports cadet of the Year.
Corporal Roberts said ‘I didn’t win any medals, but the competition isn't about that for me, it was about the atmosphere of the stadium while the events were going ahead, everyone got on, everyone was happy and the heat didn't stop anyone supporting each other and having a great day. The day was great, and by final parade all were exhausted, but when my name got called up as I won the Female Sports Cadet of the Year, the exhaustion went and shock took over. It was an overwhelming feeling having that trophy awarded, and it is definitely by best achievement of this cadet year.’
“‘I had a good feeling about the day. I had hopes about the Lush Cup and Lush Plate but the other two trophies were a real surprise. I am very pleased and proud of their achievement, it was a great day for the Squadron. Cadets J&N Sparkes both convincingly won their 1500m races and a mention should also go to Cadet A Cahill for the relay race.”
