Every Friday our Sporting Charity column highlights charity initiatives being undertaken against the background of sport and engaging with the business community.  If you have a Charity event that you would like us to feature please let us know and we will do our best to shine whatever light we can on what you are doing…

Hurling for Cancer research

Hurling against CancerSport, celebrity and Cancer Research came together in Newbridge on Tuesday for the third annual Hurling against Cancer match organised by Derby winning racing trainer Jim Bolger and Gold Cup winning Jockey Davy Russell.

The match added another six figure sum to the €200,000 raised to date through the charity game that saw Brian Cody, DJ Carey and Nicky English take part alongside well known names like Niall Quinn, Sile Seoige and Michael O’Leary.

Cork man Russell was pleased to line out in red and is pictured alongside Mark Mellet and John McCormack from the Irish Cancer Society.

Cycling for Special Olympics

Lough Allen Cycle A4 ver1Special Olympics Ireland had a major fundraising drive in the early part of the year to support the National Games that took place in Limerick.  Fundraising though is a constant and events take place all around the country so that individual clubs and regional organisations have the money and public awareness to carry on doing what they do.

The Lough Allen Special Olympics Charity Cycle takes place on Sunday 14th September. Leaving from The Lough Allen Hotel, the 70KM route will take in the extensive beauty of the Leitrim region and is supported by Leitrim County Council.

All cyclists have the opportunity to avail of Chip Timing and registration on the day opens from 8am. There will be water stops and food stops along the route, while light refreshments along with shower facilities and physios will be provided after the cycle at the Lough Allen Hotel.

You can sig up in advance and support Special Olympics by registering here.

GAA Focus on Wellbeing

GAA HealthCroke Park will be have a special focus on health and wellbeing at Sunday’s second All Ireland Hurling semi final with a range of special activities lined up for fans.

At half time, Kathryn Thomas will lead the crowd in a three minute exercise session designed to get people moving and more focused on how small changes can make a big difference.  Health checks will be available in the family zone while the Ciaran Carr Foundation will be giving advice an introductory training in the use of CPR.

Stadium Caterers Aramark will add a number of healthy choice options to their menus around the ground and the Samaritans will be handing out wristbands and pens promoting their new helpline number 116 123.