State Champion to compete in Pacific Games
Umina based Blake Vandenwoulde has capped off an exceptional year in athletics by being selected in the NSW team to compete in the Pacific School Games.
The Pacific School Games began in 1982 as an offshoot to the Xllth Commonwealth Games held in Brisbane.
The Queensland Government at the time developed the concept of a mini Commonwealth Games for school students.
The event was a great success and the games were held in Victoria in 1984, Sydney in 1988, Darwin in 1992 and Perth in 1996.
The next event will take place in Sydney using the Olympic facilities with over 50 countries invited and over 5000 students expected to participate.
Blake Vanderwoulde is a year 11 student at Umina High School and has been selected to compete in the 800 metre running event.
To qualify, Blake was State Champion in the event and came 4th in the National Championships in Townsville in November, 1999.
The Pacific School Games have proven to be a great springboard for many of our sports champions.
Track and Field events will take place from May 1 through to May 7, with the opening ceremony at Stadium Australia on May 3.
Cec Bucello, January 14