Golden Hat Trick
16 year old Andrew Winspear had a golden weekend at the UK School Games held last weekend in Bath. Andy a member of the Borough of Stockton Swim Scheme (sponsored by Air Products) and a member of Tees Active Sports Academy was selected for the North of England swim team.
The team competed against regional teams from England and teams from Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Andy who has had a difficult season after breaking his arm earlier in the year showed his true class in the 200m and 400m Individual Medley taking gold in both events with times of 2:12:30 and 4:40:53 respectively.
Andy then helped his North of England team-mates take a gold in the 4 x 200m freestyle and silver in the 4 x 100m medley.
Unfortunately Andy’s exploits were not enough to gain top spot for the North of England team who were pipped into 3rd place by eventual winners Central England and second place England East
The UK School Games is a multi sport event for the UK’s elite young athletes of school age.The games consists of nine sports which are combined into a four day games environment designed to replicate the feel of a major event such as the Olympic Games and Paralympic games.
The UK School games seek to create an inspirational and motivational setting which encourages young people to take part and succeed in sport.
A delighted Andrew said “The whole experience of the games was fantastic and the team were even flown down to Bristol. These victories hopefully signal my return to form and after being inspired by watching the Olympics in Beijing I will be giving my all in training through the winter”
For further information on Tees Active Sport Academy contact Allan McDermott on (01642) 528772 or visit new.teesactivelimited.co.uk