The P.E. Department - Roll of Honour

Mel Is An International Gymnast

Melanie Evans (year 10) has been selected to compete at international level, where she will be resplendent in the red of Wales.
Melanie is eligible to compete for Scotland, through her father, or England, but if all goes to plan she may be standing with a gold medal around her neck at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi - all thanks to her Welsh grandfather.
She first began at Accrington Gymnastics Club aged eight and received her national tracksuit and leotard ahead of making her debut in the Celtic Cup gymnastics fixture on 24 and 25 February in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.
She is also due to compete against gymnasts from across northern Europe in another international fixture later this year, after impressing in recent competitions.
Among highlights were finishing third in 2006 North West championships and fourth in the 12-13 year old 'espoir' class at the British Challenge Cup last year.
As well as travelling a round trip of 65 miles from her home to Blackpool six times a week for training, Melanie also regularly joins up with the North West regional squad in Liverpool, and now faces racking up more miles to train in Cardiff.
Selection for 2012 Olympic Training Squad

HOLLINS Technology College pupil Robert Harrison is hoping it is full speed ahead after the swimmer was selected for the 2012 London Olympic training squad.

The 15-year-old Gallica member is one of 115 swimmers who have been chosen to receive close attention from British swimming over the next five years in the hope they can perform on London’s big stage.

The select group will have access to coaching, sports science and competitive opportunities to ensure they are at the peak of their development by 2012.

F ive other swimmers from the Gallica squad, based in Lancashire, have been selected and coach Rob Greenwood said: "While there is clearly a long way to go, this is a fantastic opportunity for them and hopefully they can go all the way."

First published by the Accrington Observer 2nd August 2007

Record Breaker Ben

Ben Swindles became the youngest ever player to hit a century for his club in a second team game.

The 14 year old Hollins student got 107 not out from 100 balls to put his name in the Baxenden Cricket Club record books. He hit 21 fours to help his side to a 77-run win over Feniscowles.
He was playing alongside his 17 year old brother Adam, also a former Hollins student, who is captain of Baxenden’s second string.

Well done Ben from all at school.