Two hundred children from eleven national schools in Donegal took part in the sportshall athletics finals for schools with less than 100 pupils at the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny on Tuesday.
More than 600 pupils participated in this section of the sportshall programme that is rolled out and supported annually by the Donegal Sports Partnership. The scheme has been developed to support schools in the provision of athletics in the school setting.
Speaking at Tuesday’s event, Myles Sweeney, Co-ordinator, Donegal Sports Partnership, paid tribute to the schoolchildren, their teachers and personnel from the local athletic clubs who participated in the sportshall programme.
“We had a great mix today of schools who have been involved for a long time with sportshall, and some new schools who have added greatly to the programme,” he said.
“The programme focuses on providing athletics in a fun atmosphere, where children from small primary schools can participate and learn new athletic skills. The activities in a team format included running, jumping and throwing events.
“There was a real feel-good factor at today’s event and the children were extremely well mannered and a pleasure to work with. The big emphasis on sportshall is on taking part and having fun. The children all competed well today. It was great to see them doing so with a smile on their face and having fun with their school pals, and making new friends with children from other schools.
“A huge amount of work goes into preparing these teams. The teachers deserve great credit for their efforts, as do the coaches from the local clubs who help out in preparation for days like today.”
Tuesday’s final was won by Acres NS, Burtonport, who pipped Frosses NS by just half a point, with Drumman NS a close third. The other eight schools who did their schools proud were St. Nauls, Scoil Roshine, Moyle NS, Taobhoige NS, Stramore NS, Keadue NS, Tamney NS and St Joseph’s NS.
