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• Over 1,500 primary school children participate.
• 36 schools from all over Cork

Cork Sports Partnership in association with Athletics Ireland & Munster Technological University were delighted to once again coordinate the Cork Primary Schools Athletics Programme.

As always with Cork Sports Partnership initiatives this event is all about fun & participation. Each school who was accepted onto the programme received 4 weeks training with an Athletics tutor, equipment pack & teacher training. All of this to make Athletics a sustainable part of the schools PE programme going forward.

Due to the unprecedented demand of the programme, the programme is now split into 6 regions. East Cork, West Cork, North Cork, Cork City North, Cork City South & Special Schools. At the end of each schools 4 weeks they are invited to an interschools culmination blitz in a centralised venue based on their region.

The programme has grown in popularity since the first in 2016 with just over 400 participants, to becoming one of the partnerships biggest with over 1,500 participants now taking part. Speaking at one of the events, Craig Harrington, Athletics Development Officer for Cork & MTU said “We were delighted to welcome over 1,500 children onto the programme. A big thank you to all our tutors, venues & partners. We believe the sport of Athletics is one of the most accessible for children & this programme concentrates on all the fundamentals required to get the pupils off to a great start”

A record number of schools applied for the programme in 2023. “The aim of the Primary Schools Athletics Programme is to introduce children to Athletics in a fun & supportive way. The emphasis is on participation & learning the different skills through games & activities” Colm Dwane, Schools Athletics Tutor, Cork Sports Partnership.

The final 3 blitz days took place in the new state of the art MTU Arena, which is located on the Bishopstown campus in Cork. The new arena has a fully equipped sportshall, astroturf pitch & gymnasium which was the perfect venue to showcase the day.

A big thank you to the MTU Arena staff aswell as all the students from MTU Athletics Club, Bishopstown Community School & Carrigaline Community School, who looked after the various Athletics stations on the days of the blitz. Without these volunteers the culmination events would not be possible. The students have very important roles on the day including introducing, demonstrating and encouraging all the children.

“It was a wonderful day and so well organized! Can’t wait to do it again!” Teacher Beaumont Boys National School.

Plans have already started for next years Primary Schools Athletics Programme which will take place in early 2024, Visit www.corksports.ie for more information.

For more information on upcoming participation opportunities in Athletics in Cork visit www.corksports.ie or email [email protected].