Throws Grand Prix back for 2016

Friday 4th December 2015

scottishathletics are pleased to announce that following on the success of the Throws Grand Prix earlier this year, the Series will continue for 2016.

Craigswood Stadium in Livingston will be the venue for each of the four competitions and athletes, coaches, clubs and parents are asked to start making plans for the following dates:

Sunday 10 April

Saturday 4 June

Saturday 23 July

Saturday 3 September

Pre-competition entries will be the same as last year; only £5 and entries on the day will be £10. There will be a Series Entry on offer at £16.

Online entry is open now and you can do so for the Series (4 events) or each individual meet. Pre-competition entries will close the week before the event.

Prizes will be awarded throughout the age groups with more details to be announced early in 2016. The series, as in previous years, will incorporate Hammerama and will include IPC events for seated and ambulant athletes.

Again in 2016, prizes will be awarded for outstanding performances and also, in keeping with the traditions of the Hammerama series which was the brainchild of the late Alan Bertram, a number of trophies specifically for Hammer performances will be awarded.

Hugh Murray

‘It’s great to have the opportunity to stage the Throws GP again in 2016,’ said Hugh Murray, scottishathletics Throws Coach Mentor.

‘The response from all throwers of all ages and abilities was splendid last year and the support from the coaches was fantastic. The Grand Prix series provides a unique opportunity to compete in all four throwing events with all athletes getting six throws. This does not happen in any other throws competition in Scotland.’

The quality of throwing was superb last year with Jo Butterfield the Glasgow-based athlete throwing the Club 20.03m for a first European effort beyond the 20m mark.

Jo later said on scottishathletics social media: ‘I am so glad you included seated throws at the Livingston Grand Prix. It was a great event in the lovely Scottish weather! Crossing the 20m mark for the first time was pretty special.’

Jo went on to win Gold in the Club and Bronze in the Discus at the IPC World Championships in Doha

George Evans also threw qualifying Standards for the World Youth Discus selection in the Discus and the Commonwealth Youth Games Discus and Shot. George went on to take Bronze Medal for great Britain at the World Youth Games in Columbia and the Silver Medal for Discus at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.

Many Power of 10 UK standards were achieved together with hundreds of PBs. Support from the Masters athletes for events also produced several Scottish and British Records.

‘Scottish throwers throughout all age groups are now improving standards and participation in all throws events,’ added Hugh.

‘I really do see the event-specific Grand Prix Series format as the way forward for developing all events.’