08 Jun Athletics Report
Victories for Michael (8MCL), Erin (10OWN) and the Year 8 boys district B relay team; Wiktor (8DNN), Wallace (8BRG), Ruairi (8MCL) and Michael (8MCL) highlighted a successful Ulster Championships for Ulidia Integrated College. Six students had earned themselves a place in the Ulster Schools Track and Field Championships thanks to their top three placing in the previous weeks at South Antrim District Championships (District B). The Ulster Championships is the biggest day of athletics in the province each year with provincial titles on the line and coveted places at the All-Ireland Championships for top three finishes to be fought for.
Michael got well underway on Tuesday morning as he competed in the 100m Mini boys. Michael ran at a great pace- setting a challenge all the way to the finish line for other competitors. Finishing first in his heat he competed in the final later on that day. Challenged to the finish line, Michael finished first place and taking home a gold medal. This qualified Michael for the Ulster Championships which took place on Saturday 20th May 2017. Michael placed second taking home silver with less than a second behind first place (pictured above.) Unfortunately there are no mini boys in the All-Ireland Championships however; we do look forward to seeing what Michael has next year as he moves up a category.
Up next was the year 8 mini boys relay District B. 
Competing for the first time as a team Wiktor, Wallace, Ruairi and Michael showed their enthusiasm and dedication and finished with a superb bronze medal each- only 0.07 seconds behind first place Methodist College, Belfast. Unfortunately due to unforeseen sporting commitments Wallace and Rauri were unable to compete however, two great replacement athletes stepped up Reef (8SMH) and Thomas (8STL) to retain their third place position; taking great pride with their medals as pictured at the Ulster Championships- taking home another 4 bronze medals- fantastic achievement for them all!
Erin was up next for the junior girls’ high jump. Due to injury Erin had been out from September and had only returned to sport in early May which meant that she couldn’t compete in her events. Regardless of previous injury and very little training Erin still managed a fantastic second place. Despite qualifying for the Ulster Championships, unfortunately due to All Ireland Basketball training Erin was unable to attend.