Competition Success for Sports Students at District and Ulster Athletics Finals

Athletics success for SERC students.

(Centre left) Curtis Ford, 1st place in javelin with fellow competitors and (right) Sam Moffitt on track.

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is celebrating the achievements of two Lisburn-based sport students, who have delivered impressive performances at both the District B and Ulster Schools Track and Field Championships.

Curtis Ford (17, pictured above centre), from Lurgan, studying on the Level 2 Traineeship in Sport, and Sam Moffitt (18), from Finaghy, a student on the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, both Lisburn Campus, represented the college with distinction across a series of high-level competitions recently.

At the District B Championships held at Antrim Forum on 28 April 2026, both athletes demonstrated their talent and determination. Curtis dominated the throwing events, securing first place in the javelin with an impressive distance of 52.67 metres, setting a new district record in the process. He followed this success with another first-place finish in the discus, achieving a throw of 25.39 metres. These performances earned Curtis qualification for the Ulster Schools Finals in both events.

Sam also delivered a strong showing on the track, competing in the 800 metres. He finished in third place with a time of 2.16.50 mins, securing his place in the Ulster Schools Finals.

The Ulster Schools Track and Field Finals took place at the Mary Peters Track on 16 May 2026, where both students rose to the challenge of competing against the best young athletes in the province.

Curtis once again showcased his exceptional ability in the javelin, claiming first place with a throw of 53.95 metres. This victory not only earned him a gold medal but also secured his qualification for the Irish Schools Finals later this month. He also placed fifth in the discus, recording a distance of 31.36 metres—another commendable performance at this elite level. He will now represent SERC at the Irish Schools Track and Field Finals in Tullamore on 30 May 2026, competing in the javelin event. The College community wishes him every success as he prepares to take on the best athletes from across Ireland.

Sam competed strongly in the highly competitive 800 metres final, finishing in 11th place. His progression to the Ulster Finals highlights his dedication and continued development as a middle-distance runner.

Colin Atkinson, Principal Lecturer, School of Art & Sport at SERC, praised both students for their achievements.   He said, “Curtis and Sam have shown exceptional commitment and resilience in balancing their studies with the demands of high-level competition. Curtis’s record-breaking throw and qualification for the Irish Schools Finals is a remarkable achievement, and Sam’s progression to the Ulster Finals demonstrates his determination and potential. We are extremely proud of both students and wish Curtis the very best as he goes on to compete at national level.”

Apply now for courses commencing September 2026.  Come along to our Full-Time and Part-Time Open Evening on Thursday 4 June 2026 at our Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards campuses from 5pm - 8pm.