Sligo Athletics Club offers young people the opportunity to participate in sport while having fun.
In 1972, a group of young athletes came together to form Sligo Athletics Club. The club now has over a hundred members who train at the Sligo Regional College.
Michael Casey, the national under 15 race walking champion is training to prepare for competitions. Apart from race walking, he also competes in cross-country and track events.
Rosaleen Chambers, one of the founders of the club, competes in the 800, 1500 and 3000 events as well as cross-country. Among her many athletic achievements, she is the junior 3000 metre national champion. She enjoys the challenge of competing as well as the social aspects of club membership.
Club coach and trainer Pat Curley oulines the challenges of running an athletics club in the west of Ireland. To participate in competitions members of Sligo AC will have to travel to events. In the time that the club has been operating, they have produced fifteen national champions. The challenge for Pat Curley is to get the athletes past the national success and on to international success.
The facilities available to the Sligo AC include a sports field and a small gymnasium. While grateful for these the club would love to have a running track.
During winter months, the athletes use the gym to work on their strength and endurance. Trampoline work is used to build flexibility in athletes. Pat Curley believes that children should get involved in athletics from a young age with an emphasis on participation and having fun.
I think as soon as they can walk, they should be involved.
Presenter Kathy Parke puts her trampolining skills to the test.
This episode of 'Let's Go' was broadcast on 15 January 1980. The presenter is Kathy Parke.
