Three pupils of St. Angela's Girls National School, Castlebar, sporting the Mayo colours at the launch. PHOTO: ALISON LAREDO

Launch of 'Marathon Kids 2022' in Mayo

Primary school initiative gets underway in the county from February 21

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A fantastic, fun-filled occasion marked the launch in Castlebar of a new Mayo Sports Partnership primary schools initiative in partnership with Marathon kids Ireland, targeting fifth and sixth class students.

Group pictured at the launch of Mayo Sports Partnership's new Primary Schools Initiative in partnership with Marathon Kids and the opening of the new 500-metres track at St. Angela's Girls National School, Castlebar. From left are Deputy Alan Dillon, Deirdre Donnelly, Mayo Sports Partnership, Councillor Cyril Burke, Councillor Michael Loftus, chairman, Mayo Sports Partnership, Nessa Maloney, principal, St. Angela's Girls NS, Irish Olympian David Gillick, Marathon Kids ambassador, Councillor Blackie Gavin, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne and Charlie Lambert, head of Mayo Sports Partnership. PHOTO: ALISON LAREDO

The launch tied in with the official opening of St. Angela’s Girls N.S. 500-metre walkway, with Marathon Kids ambassador David Gillick, former Olympian, cutting the tape.

Olympian David Gillick with Castebar Mitchels and football star Kathyn Sullivan. PHOTO: ALISON LAREDO

Representatives from St. Angela’s N.S, St. Patrick’s Boys School, past pupils, local elected representatives including Mayo Sports Partnership chairman, Councillor Michael Loftus, were all there to celebrate the events.

Pupils of St. Angela's Girls NS, Castlebar, pictured at the launch.

Welcoming David Gillick to Mayo, Councillor Loftus said: “Mayo Sports Partnership is delighted to launch this new primary schools participation Marathon Kids initiative here in Mayo.

“The collaborative approach from partners such as the Active School Flag, Mayo Education Centre, Abbott International, Mayo County Council, primary schools, such as St Angelas and Marathon Kids, is key to its success.”

Marathon Kids ambassador David Gillick, a former Olympian, cutting the tape at the launch of the Mayo Sports Partnership initiative for fifth and sixth class pupils. Also pictured are pupils of St. Angela's N,S,, Castlebar. PHOTO: ALISON LAREDO

Opening the event, David Gillick expressed that he was truly overwhelmed by the turn out at St Angelas and thanked everyone for turning up.

He commented: “This is where it all starts, where the athletes of the future are born.”

Members of the Mayo Sports Partnership team, with Councillor Michael Loftus, at the launch. PHOTO: ALISON LAREDO

Commenting on the new walkway St. Angela's National School principal Nessa Maloney said: “Children are now asking their teachers to go out on the walkway every day no matter what the weather is.

“Marathon Kids is a perfect programme to utilise this facility, I would like to thank the parents council who have delivered this project”

Mayo Sports Partnership leader Charlie Lambert added: “Promoting and supporting active schools is a key strategic objective of the Partnership. More and more schools such as St Angela’s Castlebar who have developed this fantastic walkway are nurturing a positive culture of daily physical activity for all children.”

The programme will start on February 21 for eight weeks.

Within the programme, students will take part in running sessions each week inching them closer to completing their first marathon as well as learning about the benefits of physical activity.

* To find out how your school can get involved, visit https://marathonkidsireland.ie/ or contact Deirdre: dedonnelly@mayococo.ie. For more information on what events Mayo Sports Partnership are running in your area and how to get involved visit –https://www.mayo.ie/sportspartnership.

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