There was great excitement amongst the children at Muire Gan Smál Presentation Primary School, here following the arrival of World Champion athlete John Lenihan. John, a local legend, was on hand to launch the school’s second annual 5K Fun Run/Walk along with members of the Fun Run committee, parents’ association, staff and pupils. The parents’ association is organising the event to raise much-needed funds for the school. This excitement now continues weekly each time the children see their Desk-to-5K trainer Tina Donovan arrive for yet another fun-packed training session.
“The 5K Fun Run/Walk will be a healthy, fun and active fundraiser that ensures we send the right message to our pupils about getting active, having fun and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The main focus of this event is on participation. Family support is much appreciated as we encourage all pupils to get involved. There will be prizes for both adults and children on the day and all pupils who participate will receive a reward for effort,” said event spokesperson and teacher, Maura Browne.
“We will also be encouraging the wider community to join in and get involved on the day and we hope to have many local athletes participating. Above all, we hope to create a day of fun for all of the children and their families. Therefore, as well as the usual categories, there will be a special prize for the first parent and child to cross the finish line together,” said Maura.
In preparation for the event the school is running a ‘Desk-to-5K’ training programme with the involvement of all pupils from 1st to 6th class this year. This takes place two mornings a week with committee leader and local florist, Tina Donovan along with members of the teaching staff. Training for junior pupils takes part mainly within the school grounds with senior pupils taking part in Wake-up jog/runs to An Ríocht A.C. as well as other activities. This forms part of the athletics strand of the school’s P.E. curriculum and caters for all children regardless of level of fitness or ability. It is a non-competitive activity with the focus being on enjoyment and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The school’s hope is that the children will learn that keeping fit and healthy can be enjoyed by all. This is an aim mirrored by the school’s Health Promoting School status.
The 5K Fun Run/Walk will take place on this Sunday, March 23rd at 11am. Registration will take place in the school hall from 9.30am and the route will take in: Main Street, Church Street, The Black Road, Cordal Road, Upper Main Street and finishing at the school on Convent Street / Old Chapel Lane / Creamery Lane or Mart Lane.
“The parents’ association will be providing refreshments in the school hall after the event and we would like to thank everybody for all the help and positive feedback we have received so far – as well as from our many sponsors who have supported us again this year.
The 5K has now become an established annual fundraising event at the school following last year’s phenomenal success. We look forward to seeing you at our event this year. Find us on Facebook. Prize categories and further details will be added as we get closer to the event,” Ms. Browne concluded.
The fun-run committee may be contacted for further details: Tina Donovan on 086 8836612, Louise Nolan on 087 1255734 or Maura Browne at the school on 066 71 41147.
