From left, on the runway, at the launch were Grainne Hahessy (14), Lochlann Derby (11), Jack Carty, Breege Connolly, Amy Vesey (9) and Darragh Flaherty (7). Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Airport launches kits4kids - supporting local kids clubs teams

IRELAND West Airport has launched a major new initiative titled kits4kids which will see the airport sponsor local kids clubs teams from across the region with new sports kit and equipment.

The initiative was launched at the airport by local kids and local sports stars and campaign ambassadors, Roscommon’s Jack Carty, Connacht Rugby and Ireland player, and 2016 Marathon Olympian, Leitrim local Breege Connolly.

This new initiative will see the airport sponsor a full set of sports kit for underage club teams from all types of sports in counties throughout the airport's catchment region.

The initiative will be run on a county by county basis with the first competition open to kids clubs in Co. Sligo. Clubs from the Sligo region who want to get involved can upload a short video demonstrating why their kids club team deserves to win a set of new sports kit and/or training equipment.

For details on how your kids club team in Sligo can get involved with a chance to win, visit www.irelandwestairport.com/community or check out the airport's social media channels.

Over the coming months the competition will be rolled out to clubs in individual counties across the region to take part with a chance to win some new kits and equipment.

This campaign is part of a new strategic initiative by the airport aimed at further strengthening the airport’s links with the community.

Said Donal Healy, head of marketing, Ireland West Airport: “The airport recognise the important role sport plays in the development of young kids and also the significant costs involved in providing sports kit and equipment for kids teams, particularly in rural Ireland.

As an airport for the region, it’s one of our core values to support local communities and in the coming months we are looking forward to seeing kids from clubs across the region enjoying their sports in new sports kit sponsored by the airport.”

Campaign ambassador Jack Carty said it was great to see a campaign supporting sport in clubs at youth level while Breege Connolly said as someone who has been so heavily supported by her own community, she knows how important support like this can be.