London Youth Games, 3rd July 2016, Crystal Palace Very, very early, last Sunday morning, four volunteers from QPH took 8 young athletes down to Crystal Palace to take part in the London Youth Games. ​Four boys and four girls from Years 8 and 9 had been selected from across Brent schools to make up the Brent athletics team and between them competed in almost every track and field event. ​ It was a long day but beautiful weather, keen athletes, helpful parents and an ice-cream van made for a great occasion with some inspiring performances from future stars. (The winner of the girls’ 800m won in 2min26s from year 8/9!)

The standard was extremely high so the team was delighted that novice long jumper Aamar Malikfrom Kingsbury High, took silver with a brilliant jump of 5.6m. Masi Wafa (Preston Manor) and Ava Rota (QPCS) were also new to their events but Masi came 5th in shot put and Ava, who started high jump this year came 5th out of 12 competitors. Kaya Lohan (Ark Academy) stormed through to 2nd pace in the 200m heats and made it through to the A Final. She finished 6th over all. Our very own Owen Quinn and Rima Couchman-Kosir gave great performances with times of 5min10s in the 1500m and 2min75s in the 800m. Excellent running also came from Felix Amoah (St. Gregory’s ) ran 12.51s in the 100m and Lilly Salkeld (Convent of Jesus and Mary) ran the 1500m in 5min25s A huge thank you to Louise, Sophie, Gildas and Patricia Salkeld. ​It was an early start but as always with volunteering, it was very rewarding so do put your hand up next time we need volunteers.