Keighley club gain wins at regional competition

Children and adults from Bradford, Keighley and Skipton Disability Athletics were making their first visit of the year to the indoor track at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

During the January 30 tournament the local athletes gained gold, silver and bronze awards in classes including 200 metres, 60 metres, long jump and shot put.

Members of other clubs later posted on social media how inspirational the disabled athletes had been during the day.

Club head coach Janet-Alison Arkwright said: “The guys were brilliant I couldn’t have asked for more especially after such a cruel couple of years with many of our athletes badly affected.

“As a club we try to give everyone the opportunity to succeed to their best regardless of barriers.

“The team spirit is amazing, how everyone supports each other.

“For the first time we also had our first able bodied athletes competing proving able bodied and disability can train together.”

The event was organised by Sale Harriers.

Sale regularly organise competitions at Manchester’s Sportcity throughout the autumn and winter attended by clubs from across the North and Midlands.

The events have become the main competition opportunity for the Keighley club throughout the winter months.

Janet-Alison added: “With the lack of disability competition around we are lucky Sale Harriers make us so welcome.

“We are also looking forward to this spring’s revival of Special Olympics competitions, which were suspended during the Covid pandemic.

“We also now have three athletes on the Paralympic pathway making their way to the top.”

BKS Athletics recently achieved charitable status.

It holds training nights on Mondays and Wednesdays at University Academy Keighley’s sports facilities.

The club is welcoming new members.

Disability and able body who wish to compete in track and field.

If you are interested in joining the club or just want some more information, please contact Janet or Val on 07756560765.