sport
Perth Schools Compete in State Athletics Finals at Perry Lakes July 25
Winter training wraps up for dozens of Perth schools ahead of the July 25 state finals at Perry Lakes Stadium.
How we reported this
More than 480 athletes from 62 Perth high schools will contest the WA Secondary Schools Athletics finals on July 25 at Perry Lakes Stadium in Floreat.
The event caps a shortened winter program that began in early May after Athletics West adjusted its calendar to avoid clashes with the national under-18 titles in Brisbane. Schools across the city now shift focus from weekly meets to targeted preparation for the one-day finals format.
Local programs step up training
John Curtin College of the Arts in Fremantle has increased track sessions at the nearby Esplanade Reserve three times a week since the start of term three. Nearby, students from Perth Modern School in Subiaco have booked extra lanes at the Leederville Sports Park facility on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both programs report larger junior squads this year after the return of the 4x100m relay to the finals program.
School Sport WA recorded 312 individual entries by the June 30 deadline, up 18 per cent from the same point last year. Relay teams number 47, with the largest growth in the girls 17-18 age group. Entry fees remain at $18 per athlete for individual events and $12 per relay team.
Schedule and next steps
Finals begin at 9am with 100m heats and conclude by 4.30pm with the senior boys 4x400m relay. Spectators can purchase day passes for $12 at the gate or online through the School Sport WA portal until July 23. Athletes are advised to arrive by 8am for bib collection and warm-up on the outer fields at Perry Lakes.