OLYMPIANS of tomorrow from across the region took part in heats for this year's Norwich Union Sports Hall competition at the weekend.

The event saw the Worcestershire under 15s and under 13s teams take on representatives from Gloucestershire, Birmingham, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

Among those competing for the county was Matthew Everest, who has already tasted athletics at an international level. Last year the 14-year-old from Camp Hill Road, off London Road, Worcester, came fifth in a biathlon - running and swimming - competition in Germany.

At Saturday's meet, held at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, off Bilford Road, Worcester, Matthew took part in the speed bounce, where competitors jump back and forth over a board, the four-lap race and standing long jump.

"I think it's good to involve children in sports. It keeps them fit," said his mum Sally.

Another talented member of

the Worcestershire team was Sarah Adams, a student at The Chase, in Geraldine Road, Malvern, who trains once a week at Nunnery Wood Sports Centre, Spetchley Road, with Worcester Athletics Club.

The 13-year-old, from Suckley, near Malvern, competed in the obstacle relay, speed bounce and two-lap race.

"I like the 100m and 200m events the best," she said.

Her mum, Janet Barker, who was cheering her on, said that there were benefits to children taking part in sports.

"It takes them off the streets and gives them a focus," she said.

According to Gill Repton, a coach for the 70 young athletes at Worcester Athletics Club, athletics not only provides youngsters with the opportunity to enjoy sport, but helps them to develop physically and socially.

"The youngsters are not pressured to take part in competitions but the opportunity is available to them," she said.

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