On the first morning the weather was terribly cold and wet for the opening ceremony and events. 

Sophie Hann proudly marched with other North West team members in the ceremony behind their team banner. 

Sophie then ran in the heats of the 800m for 11-year-old girls.

Sophie ran well coming third in her heat in a time that was close to her personal best, which was good considering the awful conditions. 

Sophie missed a berth in the final, however was very pleased coming 20th out of the 40 competitors from across the state.

The following day the Bellata relay team of Jack Johnston, Teri Kirkby, Mia Stewart and Sophie Hann warmed up in readiness for their heat of the Austen Relay for Small Schools (under 26 student enrolments).

They were very fortunate to have Mia’s big sister, Bella, to assist them with her experience at state and national events over recent years. 

They ran a great heat coming second and gained automatic entry into the semi-finals. 

They ran very well again coming fourth in the semi-finals. 

They were then very excited to gain a spot in the finals at the end of the day. 

At the start of the final all teams were introduced and their members stepped forward, and it was terrific to hear Bellata being announced. 

All four runners ran great legs and crossed the line in a very close sixth place, with only 0.5 seconds between fourth, fifth and sixth places. 

The team improved their time by three seconds from the regionals in Tamworth and are now keen to replicate and improve their performances in 2015.