Two exciting Athletics Ireland Pilot initiatives that will introduce over three thousand children across Sligo and Donegal to the fundamentals of athletics was launched recently at Sligo I.T. and the Finn Valley Centre, Donegal. The programmes, run under the umberella of Sligo and Donegal Co. Boards and supported by Sligo I.T., Donegal Sports Partnership, Cumann na mBun Scoil, Dept of Education Primary Curriculum Support programme and seven athletics clubs, will find children in thirty nine primary schools -- ten in Sligo and twenty nine in Donegal – being introduced to the fundamentals of athletics during a six weeks programme. The project will culminate with seven local sports/jamboree days and all schools will be encouraged to participate in Co Primary Schools Sports Days later in the summer. Comments‘The initiative will provide children with opportunities to experience a range of sporting activities focusing on the key core principles of agility, balance and coordination’ Mr Myles Sweeney, C.E.O. Donegal Sports Partnership ‘The programme provides coaches, teachers and parents with additional key skills in the delivery of children sport and physical activity in line with the physical education curriculum currently being delivered within primary schools’ John B.O’Donnell, Dept of education Curriculum Support Unit ‘This is an ideal opportunity for clubs in Sligo to develop closer school/club links. Sligo I.T. are to be congratulated on becoming involved with professional support for the programme’ Ray Flynn, Sligo Co. Board ‘Sportshall Athletics/Little Athletics has proven to be one of the most successful fundamental and inclusive sports programmes available for children in Ireland, the range of activities including running throwing and jumping supports children in developing excellent agility, balance and coordination skills and provides the core development skills for children. It provides a proven introduction to the teaching of fundamental and core athletic skills and provides an ideal opportunity to introduce young people to athletics competition in a fun team based format’. David Doherty, Donegal Co. Board ‘Delivering the programme we will have eleven Athletics Ireland qualified club coaches. I would like to thank the schools and the numerous support partners for embracing the initiative so enthusiastically’ Eamon Harvey, Regional Development Officer, Athletics Ireland Photographed at the Finn Valley Centre are Myles Sweeney, Coordinator of Donegal Sports Partnership, Eamon Harvey Regional, Development Officer with Athletics Ireland, John Barry O Donnell from the Physical Education Curriculum Development Programme, Patsy Mc Gonagle, Chairman of Coaching and Manager of the International Athletics Team for Bejing Olympics 2008, David Doherty, secretary of Donegal Athletics Board, together with teachers and coaches involved in the programme.