WHILE decathlete Dean Macey carries the hopes of Great Britain on his shoulders in the Athens Olympics, Guernsey athletes are in training for their own multi-discipline event, the first to be held in the Channel Islands. On Sunday, teams from Guernsey, Jersey and Bath University are taking part in the competition which will test athletes of all ages across a series of events including hurdles, distance running, sprints, high jump, long jump, javelin and shot put.

For younger athletes, there will also be a series of multi-team events including an obstacle relay, tug of war and shuttle relay.

It is hoped that up to 160 athletes will take part in the event at the Foote’s Lane track, something which Guernsey’s star decathlete Dale Garland feels will be beneficial particularly for younger competitors.

‘It’s useful for those who don’t travel off-island a lot to take on top-level competition from the UK,’ he said.

‘It will be great for our athletes not just to see the guys from Bath University perform, but to really get among them and compete.’

Roger Garman, director and general manager of sponsor Royal Bank of Canada (CI), said: ‘Multi-events provide young athletes with the opportunity to experience competition in a broad range of disciplines.

‘The Channel Islands have never held such an event and as a bank committed to supporting amateur athletics, we are delighted to have helped bring this exciting concept to the islands.’

The event starts at 1pm and spectators are welcome.

*Entry forms are available from athletics development officer Terry Bates, on tel. 07781

127 683.