Festival Fever
Tuesday 21 April 2009
FESTIVAL FEVER As one of the main supporters of Sheffield's Festival of Athletics, Sherwood Truck & Van helped 500 competitors kick off this season's sporting calendar. After a long winter of indoor training, some of the UK's leading athletes joined competitors of all ages and abilities at the outdoor Don Valley Stadium on Sunday (19th April) for the annual Festival of Athletics in Sheffield. Sponsored by Sherwood Truck & Van, who provided all 500 competitors with branded T-shirts, the festival is the only athletics competition in the country which combines mainstream track and field events with a full programme of race walking, disability events and a schools' challenge tournament. Hundreds of young hopefuls were joined on the field by some of the country's top athletes, including Jessica Ennis, the heptathlete who sadly missed out on last year's Beijing Olympics after being struck down by an injury. A great inspiration to everyone involved, the 22-year-old Sheffield girl won everyone's respect on the day, particularly as the heptathlon is one of the most testing events. Competitors have to excel in the 800m, the high jump, 200m, long jump, 100m hurdles and the javelin throw. It was extra special for Jessica, as this was her first outdoor competition since her injury last year. As well as competitors from Sheffield, athletes travelled from all over the UK, including Middlesborough and Redcar in the North East, and Shaftesbury and Tonbridge in the south. The day closed with an exciting one mile race at 6.15pm. John Howley, Sherwood's after sales manager and secretary of Sheffield Athletics Club, was delighted with the event. "I was really proud of how the day went and there was a wonderful, friendly atmosphere," says John. "It's one of the best athletics events in the calendar and was all made possible thanks to the hard work of the Athletics Club and the backing of the main sponsor, Sherwood Truck & Van." John was also on hand to proudly show competitors and spectators four of Sherwood's vehicles, including two brand new Eurocargos, a Stralis, a Fiorino van and a Daily van, all on display at the event.