Westmeath Juvenile Indoors 2020 (24th Jan)

Young Harriers’ talents on display in Athlone

Mullingar had a very big squad of over 90 young athletes in action at the Westmeath Juvenile Indoors on Friday evening 24th January, held in the magnificent AIT indoor stadium. This was the first time many of the younger 8, 9 and 10 years old boys and girls in particular had the opportunity to compete there and they really made the most of it and thoroughly enjoyed themselves at what is one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures for our youngest athletes in particular.

Thanks to great organisation by AIT AC, hundreds of boys and girls from AIT AC, North Westmeath AC and Mullingar Harriers, aged 8 years to 15, competed in a range of events. Even though every event was competitive, the atmosphere was still relatively relaxed compared to a Leinster indoors and our youngest athletes in particular made the most of the chance to compete in the state-of-the-art facility, giving them a taste of what’s to come in a few years when they can compete at a Leinster indoors. Everyone could compete in two events each, so there was plenty of action on the track and in the field events to keep the big crowd of parents, supporters and coaches occupied following proceedings. Mullingar athletes were regular visitors to the medal podium throughout the evening, so many in fact, that it was impossible to keep track, so we will have to wait until later to see how medals they won. It wasn’t all about medals of course and it was obvious everyone had a great time whether they won medals or not.

Many thanks to the parents for bringing the children to Athlone or they wouldn’t have been able to take part in such numbers. Thanks also to the very many who also helped on the night providing encouragement, making sure everyone got to their event in time, or volunteering as officials at the various events.