David Gets Call Up For G.B. Squad At International Catholic Student Games

David Boakye, a Year 11 pupil at St Paul’s Catholic School, has been selected for the Great Britain athletics squad taking part in the International Catholic Student Games (FISEC) near Venice in July.  The G.B. squad will be competing against teams from Austria, Brazil, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Hungary and Italy.

A talented sprinter and 100m specialist, David hopes to compete at this distance and in the 200m too.

David said:  “I’m just really grateful for the opportunity to compete, especially after failing to make the team for the past 2 years. It just goes to show that perseverance is so important in sports and life. It is also fantastic that my first international championship will be right next to my hometown, which will make the whole experience so much better.”

Ross Knapper, Head of PE at St Paul’s, said:  “This is a fantastic achievement for David, I know he has worked so hard to put himself in contention for a place on the international stage. He was disappointed a year ago when he narrowly missed out on selection, but he went away trained harder and never gave up. We are all so proud that his perseverance and commitment paid off, the PE Department wish him the best of luck.”

The FISEC Games is one of two world competitions for school based sport.  This competition is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and follows international rules. Over the years, the Catholic Schools Sports Federation of Great Britain through FISEC, has provided the opportunity for young people to experience international sport for the first time with many going on to achieve full international honours in Athletics, Football, Swimming and Volleyball.