DUKA European Championships Trials
City of Stoke Athletics Club and Deaf UK Athletics European Deaf Athletics Trials, 3rd April 2011
Mother’s Day, Sunday 3rd April 2011 saw some of Great Britain’s best deaf athletes performing at their best in the joint City of Stoke Athletics Club and Deaf UK Athletics European Deaf Athletics Trials, held at Northwood Stadium, Stoke On Trent. All deaf athletes were participating against hearing athletes in the hope that they would be pushed harder to achieve the qualification standard for the 8th European Athletics Championships, which will take place in Kayseri/TURKEY, 10-16th July 2011.
Amongst the participants were Britain’s fast deaf athlete John Ruddy jnr. and current European Deaf Hammer champion Beth Sewell. Ruddy commented; “I am glad that I travelled all the way to Stoke On Trent for the trials. It is very early in the season, but I am very pleased with my performances in both the 100m and 200m. I ran quicker at this event than I did at this time last year. This has given me a good base to work for the next 12 weeks.” Sewell added; “It is very early in the season. I have enjoyed coming to this event. I would like to perform to the best of my ability in Turkey and hopefully defend my title, but I am aware that to retain my gold, I have to work harder. This event is a good start for the season.”
There were nearly 400 hearing athletes and this gave the deaf athletes the determination to perform harder. Some upcoming youngsters participated in the event. Two of these, Rebecca Zelin and Jonathan Wilkinson absolutely enjoyed the experience. Jonathan’s dad commented “I would like to say how much we enjoyed meeting you all and of course all the other deaf athletes and the interpreters. You were all so welcoming, friendly and helpful - it was wonderful and Jonny really enjoyed the whole experience. It gave him a taste for what a large athletics meeting is like and has made him determined to work hard to improve his times over this season!”
Deaf UK Athletics Director, Brian Kokoruwe said “DUKA would like to acknowledge the massive support provided by City of Stoke Athletics Club and the volunteer interpreters who made this event possible for deaf athletes to participate. It is hoped that the event is going to develop into an annual event and become more popular with deaf and hard of hearing athletes in the coming years. City of Stoke AC are very eager to get more deaf athletes involved and is now researching the possibilities of investing in a special flashing lights starting systems for deaf athletes. We hope that this will become an example of how athletics events will be held in the future.”
At the time of going to press, the official Great Britain team for the 8th EC in Turkey has not been announced.
Visit www.deafukathletics.org.uk for further details info@deafukathletics.org.uk
Click here to download the results from the competition
Click on the image below to see more images from the event
