Some of Ireland’s brightest young athletics talent converged upon the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus yesterday for the Bank of Ireland Talent ID Programme Masterclass alongside Athletics Ireland.
This is the second year of the programme which is a nationwide search to identify talented students with athletic potential in secondary schools.
Development Officers from Athletics Ireland visited secondary schools around the country where approximately 1,000 students participated.
These students underwent a matrix of specialised tests to determine untapped athletic ability with the top 10 students from each school invited to attend the Masterclass in the state-of-the-art National Indoor Arena at the National Sports Campus.
The programme, which aims to encourage greater participation amongst students in athletics culminated with a Masterclass where the 200 top students selected received coaching, advice and tips from Irish International 400m athlete Brian Gregan, newly crowned National High Jump Champion Barry Pender and muti-eventer Elizabeth Morland who finished 5th at the European Junior Championships last year.
“We are delighted that Bank of Ireland continued their sponsorship of the Talent ID Programme this year,” said Irish Schools Director at Athletics Ireland, Anthony White.
“Increasing participation in sport is a key driver behind the Bank of Ireland Talent ID Programme. We have focused on first years as it is a major transition in their lives and we are trying to make it easier for them to continue to be active. We are excited to be working with Bank of Ireland again this year on this programme and we see it as a great way to introduce students to the joy of athletics and hopefully unearth the next Irish stars.”
“Athletics forms the foundation of all sports and Bank of Ireland recognises the importance of giving young people opportunities to explore and develop their talents,” added Ciara McGuigan, Senior Segment Manager of Youth Banking, Bank of Ireland.
“Congratulations to all today’s participants, we are proud to be playing a part in fostering the athletic talent of the future.”
Sign up today for our free daily news digest covering the commercial world of sport or discover the benefits of becoming a full member alongside the many leading organisations whom we serve.
