From Paul Allison, Chairman of the Schools’ International Athletic Board

As Chairman of the Schools’ International Athletics Board, may I extend a huge welcome to Athletes, Parents, Coaches, Officials and supporters of the Schools’ Track & Field International here at the Mary Peters Track, Belfast. The SIAB International is a very significant event in the sporting life of many of the athletes competing today, It is an honour to represent your country. It reflects well on the individual efforts and successes to date and measures the commitment and hard work of all of the athletes. For many, today is quite often the first time an athlete gets the chance to represent their country and is indeed a stepping stone for many, to go onto greater things.

We must thankmost sincerely the Irish Schools Association and in particular Anthony White and Gemma Thompson with the organisation of today’s event. We are also indebted to the many dedicated officials from Irish Schools, Ulster Schools, Athletics Northern Ireland and Athletics Ireland who have volunteered their assistance and experience today.

Good Luck to everyone today

Paul Allison

SIAB Chairman



From Billy Delaney, President of the

Irish Schools’ Athletics Association

On behalf of the Irish Schools ’Athletics Association, it gives me great pleasure to welcome all the athletes, parents, coaches, managers and officials from the four home countries to this year’s SIAB Track and Field International. This is our second visit to “The Mary Peters Track” for our annual SIAB International and I am sure it will equal or even surpass the wonderful occasion we had four years ago where a number of the winners that day have since gone on to Olympic representation for their country.

A major effort has been put in by all at The Mary Peters Track to host this international again. A big thanks goes to Gemma, Conor, Liz and an army of volunteers who have left no stone unturned to have everything in place to make today’s International an enjoyable experience for everybody. Much of the planning and organisation for today was done by Anthony White Irish Schools’ Administration Director making sure all the logistics for the three visiting and Irish team are in place to make their visit to Belfast a special occasion. 

It is a very significant achievement to be selected on your nation’s school’s team and I hope it is a special milestone on your pathway to a very successful athletics career. If you look at all the athletes who have had this recognition before you and have gone on to considerable international success on the global stage you cannot but be inspired to set yourself a similar goal for senior international success.   

123.IE continue to support Irish Schools’ Athletics for this we are very grateful as it allows us to continue to host events like today’s and give our talented boys and girls an opportunity to shine. To the large number of dedicated and experienced officials here today I say thanks for your work and support, without which the event just could not take place.  

May I extend a very warm welcome to all the parents and supporters of all the young boys and girls competing here today. I hope you enjoy your visit to Belfast and bringhome some great memories of your stay. I hope all the athletes feel at the end of the day they have competed to their best and have gained valuable experience competing against the best athletes from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales in your age group.

Finally, I wish you all a safe journey home.

Billy Delaney

President ISAA