Page 157 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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Since taking on the role of the RAPTC Athletics Secretary in April 2019, it’s safe to say the RAPTC has continued to grow both on the Track and Field across a multitude of
disciplines. None of which would have been possible without the hard work and commitment of my predecessor, putting together a well-established team. With a pool of fantastic athletes across the Corps, the 2019 season was set to be an interesting race for the Inter Corps Title, a title which would be hard fought for with the RAPTC being the smaller Corps.
The first event on the Athletics calendar was the UK South Athletics Competition held on 23 May 19. This was a great opportunity to get team members across the south region, and particularly from the RAPTC, to showcase their talents on what was a fantastic day. Even more impressive, was to see a great team performance from the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT), where they managed to take the win and bring home the Minor Units Trophy. All the efforts attributed to the large gathering of ASPT Staff and Instructors who were all eager to enjoy the summer weather.
Next on the Athletics Calendar was the Inter Corps Athletics Championships. This was an even bigger opportunity for the RAPTC to further prepare for selection for the Army Team at the
Inter Services being held in Nuneaton. As a cohort of RAPTCIs, we come with a certain will-to-win and this was no different for the athletes at the Inter Corps Championships. The title is certainly a difficult one for the RAPTC to reach with our numbers being small, but that didn’t stop the exceptional performances and personal bests which were being hit. This stood out well for a few of the athletes that were selected for the Army Team later in the season. Some of the most notable performances across the season came from, WO2 (QMSI) Julia Bloomer, Sgt (SI) Kim Bowling and Myself. All of whom were successful in the Army Team Selection. A special mention to Capt (MAA) Joe Forshew, WO1 (SMI) Kelly Haniver, WO2 (QMSI) Carl McMullen, WO2 (QMSI) Issy Menzies and SSgt (SSI) Mike Coombe who represented at the European Masters Games and medalled in a number of events
The RAPTC Athletics Team has gone from strength to strength and this has all been down to the hard work and commitment of all those involved in competing and officiating. The 2020 season is set to be a challenge with the unprecedented times we’re all currently facing, but hopeful the athletes will have an opportunity to display their hard work on the Track or Field in the coming months.
RAPTC ATHLETICS
SSgt (SSI) D Hammond RAPTC
The winning team from the ASPT at the 2019 UK South Athletics Championships
Members of the RAPTC at The European Masters