Westport AC fundraising for a tartan track
WESTPORT Athletic Club have launched a fundraising drive to secure a new tartan track.
As well as the near 1,000 people who use the club's facilities each week, a new track would make it more accessible to all in the community.
The new sports capital programme opened on July 17 and Westport AC is making an application for funding towards a new tartan track at Horkan's Hill in the town. As part of the process, the club will also have to raise over €100,000 itself towards the development.
Currently, there are over 320 Westport AC members and 600 students from the all girls Sacred Heart School training on the track each week.
A tartan track will also offer wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility a safe place to exercise.
The track provides access to water, resting areas and has emergency vehicle access which are not always available on other routes.
The current surface is a gravel one, 40 years old, and it badly needs to be upgraded.
A statement from the club's development committee set out: “The track at Horkan's Hill has seen many local people come through its gates over the years. It should be a resource for the whole community to benefit from.
“The plans underway include the introduction of a wheelchair accessible ramp so all members of the community can avail of this facility as either spectators at events and football games of Westport United or indeed for exercise on a tartan track.
“A tartan track is a must for all competitive athletic clubs in 2023. We are currently running on a grit track and kids are falling and hurting themselves on a poor surface week in, week out. They are holding themselves back at the risk of injuring themselves.
“We have extremely talented athletes representing their town, county, province and country. We would like for them to compete on a level playing field and give them resources needed to attain their goals. In Mayo, many towns already have tartan tracks such as Ballina, Swinford, Claremorris and Ballinrobe.
“Whilst many of our sports and clubs have the best of facilities, all children can benefit from training on a tartan track. Running is the basis for most sports and all of Westport's children can benefit from this resource.
“We are seeking government funding for the tartan track but this will need to be supported with raised funds.
“As Westport is renowned for its achievements in sport and fantastic facilities, the icing on the cake would be a proper all-weather training track on par with so many towns around the country.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
There are a number of ways people can help out with fundraising.
Any businesses interested in getting behind the project can contact club chairperson Lisa Clarken on (087) 2226223 or email westportacdevt@gmail.com.
Businesses and individuals can also donate to the following project bank account: Westport Athletic Club Deposit Account, IBAN: IE41AIBK93716935948132 BIC: AIBKIE2D.
Donations are also being accepted on a dedicated GoFundMe page. All donations, any amount, are gratefully accepted.
The link to the online fundraising page is https://gofund.me/17d815c1