Huge athletics event
A major athletics event is currently being planned for IT Sligo this June. Titled Sligo City Sports, it is taking place on the 21st of June and will be comparable to the superb Mary Cullen Olympic Qualifier event last year. Coach Dermot McDermott explained: “European bronze medallist Ciara Mageean will come to Sligo and try break the Irish record over 800m and be the first woman in Ireland under 2 minutes for the distance. “She will have challengers from all over Europe. This event will have something for everyone – schools, families, children and athletics fans alike. Believe and Achieve is once again hosting the huge sporting occasion to bring communities, schools and sports lovers together to showcase the superb talent we have in our county.” A unique event called ‘ Sligo’s Ultimate Athlete’ will discover who is Sligo’s Ultimate Athlete – someone who can run, jump and throw. Dermot is encouraging all athletes of all ages, abilities and sporting backgrounds to give it a go. Depending on entries, there will be a significant prize fund of at least € 500 by using a winner takes all approach. The heats for Sligo’s Ultimate Athlete will take place on Wednesday 14th June. All competitors will compete with their own peers in a standing long jump, shot put throw, 60m sprint and an 800m run. The points for each athlete will be calculated using the IAAF ‘ Hungarian Tables’. The winner in each age category will then be eligible to compete in a handicapped race at the Sligo City Sports. The night itself will build up from a pre- programme for all Primary Schools – which will involve two hours of relays, including ‘ Sligo’s Fastest School’, relay made up of one teacher and three primary school pupils. A number of showcase athletics events include an elite men’s mile, the finals of Sligo’s Ultimate Athlete, Sligo’s Fittest Family relay and more. One of the highlight events which has so far been revealed will see European Bronze Medallist Ciara Mageean attempt to become the first Irish Woman to break the elusive two minute barrier for 800m. In doing so, “Ciara will smash the current Irish Record held by Roseanne Galligan of 2.00.58. An elite women’s field will line up to give Ciara a thrilling race in front of a Sligo crowd,” Dermot said. The evening will also encompass ‘ The night of 5000m PBs’ which was introduced at the Mary Cullen event last year. This will involve paced 5000m races which will be an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to lower their PB. “It’s open to all, including new runners – enjoy the experience of running on an athletics track with an experienced pace maker and bring the family to cheer you on!,” Dermott added. “So come along bring the kids show your support for Sligo’s Ultimate Athlete, enter an event and compete!”