First ever Celebrating Athletics in Cork week

By Geraldine Fitzgerald

The first ever Celebrating Athletics in Cork Week will take place from 22 to 31 October. There will be something for everyone throughout the week-long celebration, with six Little Athletics events for children aged 6 to 12 years, three informative online education webinars, three live classes and workshops and a track and field development night for 14-19 year olds.

The goal of the week is to promote participation in athletics for children of all ages and abilities and is the first time the event will be coordinated for Cork.

Craig Harrington, Cork Athletics Development Officer said: “We are delighted to be able to launch this initiative to promote all that is good in athletics here in Cork. After a great year for Irish athletes, this gives everyone a chance to learn more about athletics in a fun and safe way.”

All the events throughout the week are free of charge and no experience is necessary. The Little Athletics events, which are taking place in Munster Technological University Cork, Bandon, Clonakilty and Macroom, are a great opportunity for children aged 6-12 to try out athletics for the first time and are supported by clubs in each of the respective areas. The education webinars will feature three well-qualified speakers and cover topics such as athlete nutrition and endurance running, as well as a presentation on how to make your club more inclusive.

The live online classes will give people a chance to do a yoga class, as well as strength and conditioning classes, from the comfort of their own home.

Speaking about the programmes, Maurice O’Sullivan, Sports & Marketing Manager with Cork Sports Partnership said: “These taster programmes are an important part of our work to help create more awareness of the opportunities available to people to get active. Athletics is great way for people of all ages and abilities to get active and we are delighted to be able to showcase some of those opportunities this year and build on it annually.”

For more on Cork Athletics Week and other Cork Sports Partnership programmes, see corksports.ie.