Cork Primary Schools Athletics Programme catered for over 1,500 children

THIS year's Primary Schools Athletics Programme, organised by Cork Sports Partnership, MTU and Athletics Ireland, was a huge success, as 50 schools participated in the programme across seven regions.

The Cork Primary Schools Athletics Programme focused on fun and participation and reached into every corner of Cork. In total, 42 schools took part in a four-week training programme with a regional focus in recent weeks. That took in West Cork, East Cork, North Cork, Cork City South, Cork City North, Bantry and Special Schools.

Over 1,500 primary school aged children participated in the events and the scene is growing every year.

This event gives primary school children the opportunity to take part in athletics in a safe and supported environment. 

"The programme is all about fun and participation while introducing children to all the different disciplines Athletics has to offer,” said Craig Harrington, the Athletics Development Officer in Cork and MTU.

SUSTAINABLE

By taking part in the programme, every school receives four weeks of sessions with an athletics qualified tutor, equipment pack and entry into the regions culminating blitz.

“The children really enjoyed the four sessions with the Athletics coach, the equipment pack will help the teachers in our school to keep athletics going as a sustainable part of our PE curriculum,” explained Sandra Murphy, a teacher in Carrigaline.

As part of the blitz days transition years from local secondary schools mentor and demonstrate the different athletics activities to the primary school children. 

The transition years have all completed the Athletics Ireland Assistant Coach Course as part of their preparation for this event.

“These blitz events give our transition years the opportunity to get on the Athletics Ireland coaching ladder and gain some supported coaching experience, this is our fourth year taking part in the Cork Sports Partnership programme,” said Michael Connern, St Brogan's College, Bandon.

The programme starts in February and finishes in May. 

Three of the bigger events were held in the state of the art MTU Arena and the children were delighted to have a visit from Irish Senior Long Jump Champion and MTU Scholarship student Reece Ademola.