ATHLETES and sports stars of the future are being invited to take part in an Everybody Active Junior Games event at the St Columb’s Park running track during this year’s Waterside Half Marathon on Sunday, September 2.
The free admission Mini Olympics will take place during the main race from 10.30am until 12.15pm and are divided into under 6, 8,10 and 12 categories.
Activities on offer will include running, jumping and throwing disciplines while youngsters can also try their hand at recycling arts and crafts.
Sports Development Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ryan Porter, said the event was the perfect opportunity to introduce children to athletics in a relaxed and family friendly environment.
“The aim of the Everybody Active Junior Games is to give families a taste of athletics in a fun and non-competitive environment,” he explained.
“The emphasis of the event is very much on encouraging participation and children of all abilities are welcome to take part.
“We have a wide range of activities on offer for young people at Council’s leisure centres and through the Everybody Active 2020 programme so this event could be the ideal introduction to athletics and organised sport.”
Festival and Events Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, noted that the Junior Games have been timed to conveniently tie in with anyone attending the Waterside Half Marathon and the Carnival of Colours events that day.
“In previous years our Fun Run has been well attended and we hope extending that event to other athletics disciplines will attract even bigger numbers this year,” she said.
“The race start is at Ebrington Square at 10am so families could have the opportunity to watch that before making their way to the running track in St Columb’s Park where the games will begin at 10.30am and where runners will be finishing the Half Marathon from 11am.
“With the Carnival of Colours taking place that afternoon at 1pm there is plenty on offer for families in and around St Columb’s Park and the two events should complement each other well.”
Registration for the Mini Olympics will take place at the Marquee at the running track from 9.30am to 10.15am.
More information on all councils Everybody Active 2020 classes are available at www.derrystrabane.com/eba or contacting Ryan Porter on 028 71 253 253 or [email protected].
Full details of Council’s Leisure and Sport Services are available at www.derrystrabane.com/leisure
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