New ground will be established at the Scottish Schools’ Track and Field Championships next year when girls’ and boys’ events are staged together for the first time.
A ballot of schools by the Scottish Schools’ Athletic Association found strong support for a combined championship. Though only 83 schools responded, the vote was 74-9 in favour.
“Of the schools that did not respond, I suspect they were not bothered one way or the other but this will bring us into line with other countries and was a logical move,” Linda Trotter, the association’s assistant secretary, said. “It makes sense that a school can travel to the event in one bus and not send two buses to separate venues. There could be a few teething troubles at the start, but if everyone bears with us then I am sure it will turn out okay.
“People said 20 years ago that there would be difficulties when the cross-country events came together but that has worked out well.”
The championships will be held on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, at Grangemouth, Meadowbank or Scotstoun. Confirmation of a venue will come in January. The TSB will again sponsor the event under a deal that runs until December next year. The SSAA is hopeful that this will be extended.
