Pentathlon Club Shoots to the Top
A North East Modern Pentathlon club has become the first in the country to achieve the prestigious Clubmark accreditation. Pentathlon GB North, which operates across County Durham, was awarded Clubmark in July in recognition of its commitment to developing a high quality, safe and welcoming environment for its young participants.
Modern Pentathlon includes five disciplines: pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, horse riding and running. The club runs each of its activities at different locations across County Durham enabling youngsters from all over the county to have the opportunity to try at least one of the five events. The club was supported through its accreditation by County Durham Sport and accredited by a North East Clubmark Panel consisting of the four North East County Sports Partnerships (County Durham Sport, Northumberland Sport, Tees Valley Sport and Tyne & Wear Sport).
Linda Richardson, Northern Region Chairperson, says: "We at Pentathlon GB North would like to thank everyone involved in the club, in particular the parents and volunteers who give up their time willingly to help out at our competitions; and the coaches who come from a range of other established sports clubs, such as Durham Harriers, Laszlo's Fencing, Sedgefield 75 Swimming Club and Field House Equestrian Centre. We would also like to give a special mention to Bishop Auckland Gun Club who have been fantastic in their support of the shooting aspect of Modern Pentathlon, supplying us with the use of a dedicated 10m range and equipment. A great big thank you to County Durham Sport, in particular Catherine Watson, for their help and guidance through the Clubmark process and last but not least to our athletes, without whom there would not be a Modern Pentathlon presence in the region."
Sandy Mitchell, Strategic Partnership Manager, County Durham Sport says: "It's great to see a club that offers such a diverse range of activities commit to good practice. Parents can be guaranteed a safe and welcoming sporting environment at Pentathlon GB North and we would like to congratulate the club on its accreditation."
For more information about Pentathlon GB North, please visit the website www.ourteamnorth.co.uk. To find out about how your club can become accredited if you have a non-accrediting National Governing Body, please contact Catherine Watson on 0191 301 8683 or email catherine.watson@durham.gov.uk
