Join Olympian Rob Heffernan on walk for Down Syndrome Centre Cork

In Now in its second year, the Challenge 21 event will see participants walk, jog, or run a 21km distance from Haulbowline to Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, June 18
Join Olympian Rob Heffernan on walk for Down Syndrome Centre Cork

Olympian Rob Heffernan with Harry Brassel, Freya Desmond and Joey Corbett launching Challenge 21 for the Down Syndrome Centre Cork. Picture: Darragh Kane

IRISH champion race walker and Olympian Rob Heffernan is calling on people to join him on a fun and rewarding fitness challenge this summer in aid of the Down Syndrome Centre Cork.

In its second year, the Challenge 21 event will see participants walk, jog, or run a 21km distance from Haulbowline to Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, June 18.

Funds raised will go to supporting vital services for children with Down syndrome in Cork. The Down Syndrom Centre on Forge Hill supports more than 150 children and their families, and is wholly reliant on the generosity of the public and local businesses.

The Challenge 21 event, which is sponsored by Green Rebel Marine, is the equivalent distance of a half marathon, and will take approximately three to four hours at a brisk walking pace. The 21km distance symbolises the extra chromosome that causes the genetic condition that is Down syndrome.

Commenting at the launch of Challenge 21, Rob Heffernan said he is “delighted” to get to combine his love for activity and all things Cork in aid of the Down Syndrome Centre Cork, which receives no government funding but is “so passionate about providing the best start in life for their children”.

Cork mother, Cathy Halpin, recalled an “immense fear of the unknown” when her son Finn was born during lockdown in May, 2020, and described the support from the centre has been “invaluable”.

“When I came across the Down Syndrome Centre Cork, I couldn’t believe how lucky and fortunate we were to have this facility in Cork,” she said.

Last year, more than 300 people took part in the challenge and this year, organisers are hoping the wider public will get on board.

Any businesses interested in partnering on the event can contact the centre manager by emailing Lisa@dsccork.ie. For more information or to register, visit C21.eventbrite.ie.

Read More

Council proposes to change one-way Cork city street to two-way system

more #Olympics articles

World Rowing Championships 2024 - Finals Golden: Paul O'Donovan shows his class yet again with world title in Canada
Pictures: Olympian Phil Healy given hero's welcome home Pictures: Olympian Phil Healy given hero's welcome home
Swimmer in swimming pool Former mayor wants Olympic legacy sport facilities for Cork

More in this section

Defence lawyer in Kieran Quilligan death trial says there is a 'big hole' in prosecution case Defence lawyer in Kieran Quilligan death trial says there is a 'big hole' in prosecution case
Gardaí in Cork appeal for help to trace whereabouts of missing teenager  Gardaí in Cork appeal for help to trace whereabouts of missing teenager 
Man accused of Kieran Quilligan killing set to seek bail Kieran Quilligan was allegedly lured to his death by one of the men accused of murdering him, court hears

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more