Athletics Ireland, through its Regional Development Team, has run a Level 1 Coaching Course for IT Sligo students on the BBS in Recreation, and Leisure course since 2007 with several fruitful initiatives emerging from this partnership. One such initiative is the College Races, organised by the students who've undertaken the Level 1 course. This is a team event which draws entrants from second level schools in the catchment area and from within the college itself.
The 2015 event was held recently and had over 100 entrants from 14 teams. Joint first place was shared between Saint Clare's from Manorhamilton and Colaiste Cholmcille from Ballyshannon, with St Clare's taking the Martin Sheridan Trophy for overall best team performance.
Pictured is the winning team from St Clare's Comprehensive school, Manorhamilton who have retained the Martin Sheridan Perpetual Trophy for two consecutive years. Also pictured are Kerry Larkin and Michael McDonagh, who lead the course.
The current crop of 1st years on this course commence their Level 1 in Athletics after the Easter break and have plans for a primary schools coaching initiative, along with responsibility for organising the 2016 College Races.