Young Moray athletes from Elgin AAC celebrate success at Scottish Athletics virtual superteams challenge
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A MORAY club’s young athletes have topped the ranks in a virtual competition run by their sport’s governing body.
Scottish Athletics staged their Virtual Superteams Challenge for athletes aged 12 and under over a four-week period in May and June, inviting the youngsters to try one different sporting discipline each week.
Elgin AAC were one of 38 clubs across the country who competed, with their girls’ team finishing overall winners out of 53 teams and 212 competing athletes.
Tayla-Jai Greenfield was also ranked as the top girl overall with team-mate Lillia Clarke seventh, Holly Whittaker 16th and youngest member Gemma Forgie 42nd.
“It was a massive achievement for the girls,” said club coach Theresa Storey.
“The Moray quartet saw off stiff competition from top-rated Edinburgh club Harmeny AC, who finished second, and Inverness Harriers who were third.
The boys’ team also dug deep to finish 33rd out of 54 competing teams. Lucas Burnett was the highest ranked Elgin AAC competitors, just ahead of team-mates Leo Grant, Dexter Flett and Jack Moore.
The first week on May 18-24 saw the teams compete at sprints, before switching to throws the following week, then jumps and finally an endurance event to finish off the series.
In total, 565 athletes across Scotland took part in the tournament, which was designed to keep youngsters fit and active during the Covid-19 lockdown period.
Overall, 163 teams were pitted against each other
“The virtual competition was a great way for the athletes to come together while keeping apart,” Theresa added.
“Weekly group video calls enabled the athletes to support each other and stay connected.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the way the kids are still eager to train and are taking these unknown times in their stride with the support and encouragement of each other.”
“Scottish Athletics are putting on more virtual events and we are all looking forward to participating.”
