26^th July 2006
UK Sport has announced the funding it will provide to Paralympic sports in the approach to Beijing and beyond - with athletics set to benefit from a large influx of additional lottery support.
Following the announcement made at UK Sport head quarters this morning, athletics will receive an additional amount in excess of £300,000 a year to ensure that the World Class disability athletes continue receive the support required to scoop up the medals in Paralympic Games. more >>

Disability Senior Performance Manager appointed
Former Olympian takes his place in the approach to Beijing…
UK Athletics has pulled off its very own transfer coup in the appointment of Tim Jones from British Swimming to the role of Senior Performance Manager for disability.  more >>

Working with Disabled People in Athletics  - 19^th November 2006 - Litherland Sports Park

In Conjunction with Sports Coach UK, the North West Disability Athletics Forum has developed a day-long workshop, which is a mixture of theory and practical based activities that looks at how to include disabled people in athletics, by covering:
The structure of disability athletics in the UK

• Equipment required
• Adaptive events used
• Communication skills required
• The classification structure for athletes with a disability
• Opportunity to observe athletes being coached.
• Action Planning – what support do you need to work with disabled people in your club?

 Also a chance to look at models of ‘Good Practice Clubs’ from around the North West

 North West Athletes Matthew Cliff and Shelly Woods are on their way to Melbourne.
The 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne begin on 15th March. Matthew, a visually impaired athlete who trains at Liverpool Harriers & Wirral AC, has an excellent chance on improving on his 100M personal best which brought him a silver medal at Colarado Springs last year.

North West Coaching Courses arranged for 2006/7
see Coaching & Resources

North West Squad at the 2006 DSE National Junior Championships, Blackpool.

This Year was a real triumph for the North West Squad who carried off the winners trophy. A great weekend of Athletics with good weather and excellent performances from all athletes. Over 300 junior athletes entered from all over the country including teams from Northern, Eastern, East Midlands, West Midlands, Greater London, North West, South East, South West, Yorkshire and Wales.
link to some photos

Wheelchair Racing Open Meeting at Kirkby, Merseyside. T
This event was well attended. Pete has not had time to send us a report on this event  but he has sent us the results. <results here >