40 Schools take part in SSRP SuperValu Athletics Festival

Once again the event proved to be a huge success with a record number of schools and participants enjoying a great event with one thousand two hundred primary school children representing 40 primary schools taking part.
The event is now in its eighteenth year with the focus being on participation, fun and enjoyment. Certificates of participation and event t shirts were presented to all athletes in recognition of their sporting effort.

The event was kindly supported by SuperValu stores throughout County Sligo. On the day, a team of volunteers from County Sligo Athletics Association, Athletics clubs throughout the county, Athletics Ireland, Sport Ireland, a group of transition year students from Sligo Grammar School and SSRP staff worked collectively to ensure the event went off smoothly.

The event coincided with European Week of Sport which is co-ordinated nationally by Cameron Molloy Moules from the Participation and Ethics Unit in Sport Ireland who was present. Also in attendance was Louise Burke, Director of Participation at Sport Ireland who commented on the event being a fantastic opportunity for so many children of all ability levels to participate and enjoy in the sport of athletics and she commended Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership and all the organisations involved on a wonderful sporting occasion.

Also present was Dermot McGranaghan, Athletics Ireland Club Development Manager who stated

“This event showcases athletics at its very best with enjoyment, participation for all and the team spirit of relay events all being evident and all made possible through fantastic collaboration at local level with oversight from Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.”

In reflecting on the event SSRP Sports Co-ordinator, Deirdre Lavin, stated

“Once again the SSRP SuperValu Athletics Fest has proven a great success with a huge number of children taking part from across the County with the positive response and support for this event from the many schools and teachers great to see”. She added “The collective effort from Athletics clubs, volunteers, event sponsor SuperValu and SSRP staff, all contribute to a great sporting occasion for the young people involved”.