IRISH Olympian David Gillick marked the finale of the Ballinasloe Marathon Kids by joining 250 primary school children from the East Galway town in the final leg of their journey.
David Gillick, who competed in the 400 metres and 4×400 metres relay at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, led the Marathon Kids participants through a series of exercises and stretches before they embarked on the final run of the series at the Dunlo Running Track on Thursday.
Funded through the Ballinasloe Community Sports Hub under the Sport Ireland Dormant Account Fund, the Marathon Kids programme targets fifth and sixth class students who learn the health benefits of physical activity and perform four running sessions per week.
The children ran 26.2 miles over the course of the eight-week programme to complete their first marathon. Speaking following the event, Gillick said, “It is fantastic to see so many young people on the track, having fun, and being active. I hope this event has inspired them to keep running and to stay active in the years to come”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, noted the importance of encouraging young people to get involved in physical activity and develop a healthy lifestyle. Events like Marathon Kids are a great way to do this, and I’m delighted to see so many young people taking part in Galway,” he said. “The event was a huge success with children and teachers praising the initiative and the opportunity it provided for young people to stay active and healthy”.
Cllr Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, commented, “It is truly inspiring to see these young children pushing themselves to achieve such a great goal. The Marathon Kids event promotes not only physical activity but also discipline and perseverance, which are values that will serve these children well in all aspects of their lives”.
Cllr Mike Cubbard (IND), Chairperson of Galway Sports Partnership noted, “There was a positive atmosphere and a great sense of achievement at the event.”
Andrew McBride, Coordinator of Galway Sports Partnership, stated, “Galway Sports Partnership was delighted to facilitate this programme and give primary school children the opportunity to keep active. We would like to thank all the teachers for their support and congratulate the children on their achievement of running 26.2 miles over the last eight weeks”.
The children who participated in Ballinasloe Marathon Kids were drawn from four local schools, namely Scoil Uí Cheithearnaigh, Newtown National School, Scoil an Chroí Naofa, and Creagh National School.
Information on all Galway Sports Partnership activities can be found at www.galwayactive.ie.
