Coleraine Athletes Oat-ally Inspired by Aileen Reid

Pictured alongside Olympic Triathlete Aileen Reid (centre) are members of the Flahavans Porridge Athletics NI Junior Cross Country Squad (l-r) Andrew Gordon from Garvagh High School, Coleraine and Lily Toorish from Broadbridge Academy, Derry/Londonderry.

With the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games fast approaching, Athletics NI and family oat producer Flahavan’s, are hoping to inspire a new generation of local sporting talent by introducing them to athletics and the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.

John Noonan, Sales and Marketing Director at Flahavan’s Porridge explained: “We are delighted to continue our support for the Athletics Northern Ireland Junior Cross Country League and Squad.

“As a family business, making porridge for local families, we value the importance of encouraging children to enjoy a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and starting the day on the right foot - with a nutritious breakfast.”

Aileen took to the sand with the squad members as they completed hill sessions, core strength exercises and relay races on the strand.

Aileen Reid commented: “I’m delighted to see so many young people on Portstewart Strand for the launch of the Cross Country League and first training session of the Junior Squad.

“Grassroots sports development initiatives such as the league and squad are essential to build a platform for our future athletes. They provide children with the opportunity to participate in a competitive environment – possibly for the first time, meet new friends and have fun while enjoying sport.

“It’s a fantastic way of encouraging young people to increase their levels of activity as well as educating them on the importance of a healthy start to the day, which is key to any aspiring athlete!”

The Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League is heading into its seventh year. It started off in 2008 in three areas with only nine schools taking part, last year 2012-13 they had 86 schools take part. The league ran in seven areas; Co.Down Area, Southern Area, Co. Antrim area, North West (Co. Londonderry), Causeway Coast area, Strabane area and Enniskillen area. From the area round the top three teams and five individuals (from each area) take part in a Northern Ireland Final along with the Ulster Secondary Schools Cross Country Final in February. The top 20 girls & boys from the Final will be invited to join the Flahavan’s Athletics NI Junior Cross Country Squad for 2014.

For further information on Flahavan’s Porridge Junior Cross Country League and Squad please contact Heather Ardis on [email protected]. For more information and to view Flahavan’s full product range please visit the Flahavan’s UK Facebook page or www.flahavans.co.uk.