On Saturday 27th September, 237 competitors from 13 different groups from all over the country came together to take part in the 80th National Athletics Competition in North London. As usual, the competition was fierce as the young people and children sought to better their counterparts from down the years. Spurred on by the recent memories of British Olympic and Paralympic successes, they sought to go "faster, higher, stronger" than those who had gone before them. However, only one new record was set in 2008 - B. Abbott of Staveley Urban Saints jumping to an impressive 4.37 metres in the boys U12 long jump.

Despite this lack of records, there were some very impressive individual performances, recognised with comparison to the official UK Athletics points scale - earning the athlete either the "Victor" or "Victrix Ludorum" trophy. These winners were D. Percival (West Green) - boys U11, S. Mayes (Southern Cross) - girls U11, J. Macphee-Torres (Burnt Oak) - boys U13, K. King (Staveley) - girls U13, P. Grell (Mill Hill Inglis Barracks) - boys U15, A. Ojambo (West Green) - girls U15, T. Alligan (Buckhurst Hill St John’s) - boys U17 and C. Roberts (Southern Cross) - girls U17.

The overall team results were as follows:-

BOYS
Buckhurst Hill St Johns - 191 points
Burnt Oak - 141
Mill Hill Inglis Barracks - 107
Crofton - 85

GIRLS
Burnt Oak - 181 points
Crofton - 161
Southern Cross - 126
Buckhurst Hill St Johns - 102

The Handicap Trophies (awarded to the group that has the highest number of points per competitor entered) went to Southern Cross for the boys (with Staveley as runners-up) while Staveley went one better in the girls tournament, taking the trophy ahead of West Green.

A massive "thank you" to all who took part, for keeping to the impeccable spirit of the competition and a special congratulations to all the winners!

This is a truly unique competitive experience, where our young people get to take part in an athletics tournament overseen by proper UK Athletics officials against other young Christians in an atmosphere of fair play and sportsmanship. We encourage as many groups as can to get involved in the future - you don't have to be a full Urban Saints group to submit a team! Watch this space for further information about the 2009 tournament...