Vision Sports Ireland, in collaboration with Portlaoise Athletics Club, Athletics Ireland and the LOETB, was delighted to run an eight-week athletics programme in Portlaoise that included running, jumping, and throwing. Beginning with a Guide Running Workshop and training for the volunteers, the programme kicked off in July and was a success from the start. Over the course of the eight weeks, 23 athletes aged between 5 to 66 years old participated each week on the Portlaoise athletics track. The programme aimed to create opportunities for both leisure and competition.
The programme helped participants develop their skills and an understanding of athletics. It also provided them with an opportunity to socialise and make new friends. The programme culminated in a competition day held at the SETU Sports Campus in Carlow in association with IWA Sport and Athletics Ireland. The competition day was a glorious day of track and field finals, which saw vision impaired athletes from all over Ireland compete at the IWA Athletics grand prix.
Following this fantastic event, the participants received medals at an end of year ceremony at Portlaoise Athletics Club where members, volunteers and the local Cathaoirligh were in attendance.