Athletics has been part of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games since their inceptions. At the School Games, competitors will take to the track and field over a series of running, jumping and throwing disciplines as part of an action packed sports programme.
Athletics forms the fundamental basis and skills for participating in many other sports, if you look carefully, you will see similar motions and techniques that are adopted in many of the events that make up athletics being practiced in sports like golf, tennis, hockey, football and rugby.
Did you know...?
"Diskos" was a Greek word meaning 'thing for throwing'. Metal or stone discoi were used for what became a standard event at the ancient Olympics.
Dick Fosbury is credited with the invention of the popular modern day technique for the high jump. He used his "Fosbury flop" to win the 1968 Olympic gold medal and set an Olympic record of 2.24m, taking advantage of the then new landing mats to land on his back.
The School Games is positioned as a high-level competition opportunity for athletes participating in the under 17 (& U20 for disability) age group. With strong links to the existing schools athletics competition pathway, the event is in place to provide young athletes with the experience of a multi-sport competition environment.
Performances in school based athletics competitions remain the primary method of selection for athletes competing in the School Games, however, due to the nature of the sport, athlete selection will also be made based on performance in other major events, and the Power of 10 rankings system. This approach allows the best athletes to enjoy the School Games experience, whilst giving any young athlete at school the opportunity to qualify.
Athletics Selection Policy 2012
Athletics Team Boundaries 2012