West Yorkshire Schools Cross Country Champions, Alex and Rebecca Flaherty from Bradford Grammar School (BGS) are both ecstatic to qualify for English Schools’ Athletic Association (ESAA) National Cross Country Championship 2018.
Alex 13, from Menston, said: “I represented Yorkshire at the Inter Counties Championships before, so that’s been great. Now to be chosen alongside my sister to represent West Yorkshire at the English Schools’ Cross Country Championship 2018 is really exciting! When I’ve finished school it would be brilliant to represent my country in cross country running and try to make people in Britain proud.”
“Mr McCartney takes me out running at lunchtime and the sports teachers are so enthusiastic and helpful. It’s the all-round atmosphere that makes me happy at BGS; the supportive teachers, the friends you have, and the great sports facilities.”
Rebecca, age 12, agrees: “I am inspired by the Brownlee brothers, because they came to BGS and worked very hard and persevered, running for the School cross country team. What is great about BGS is they have many different sports and they encourage everyone. The sports teachers are all very qualified and they help you to be the best you can be.”
Mike McCartney, Cross Country Coach said, “to have siblings, a boy and girl who are both excellent runners is unparalleled. We have specialist coaches in cross country, cricket, rowing and hockey and many with county and national experience – which is fantastic for the pupils. I can’t think of a single sport we don’t offer the opportunity to take part in.”
“Sport at BGS is for everyone whatever their ability, from beginners to the very best. It gives you some real foundations in life, helps the pupils build relationships and ultimately boosts mental well-being.”
Alex and Rebecca’s mum Sarah could not be happier, “I am very proud of them both. It is wonderful to see the way they support and drive each other. They love running but they also put in a lot of hard work, running in all sorts of conditions –wind, rain, snow and usually lots of mud! They have also had great support both from the School and from Bingley Harriers.”
BGS Headmaster, Simon Hinchliffe says: “Alex and Rebecca are terrific pupils in every sense. We are all delighted for them. Bradford Grammar School believes in offering a wide range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom for personal development and growth. Alex and Rebecca model our values with their ‘get up and give it a go’ spirit encapsulated in our age old school motto ‘HocAge’. Naturally, we are very proud of them.”
Find out more about BGS Sport and fixtures at www.bradfordgrammar.com/sport
“To have siblings, a boy and girl who are both excellent runners is unparalleled. We have specialist coaches in cross country, cricket, rowing and hockey and many with county and national experience – which is fantastic for the pupils.
I can’t think of a single sport we don’t offer the opportunity to take part in.”
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