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The Kerry team and coaches heading to Taiwan next week for the International Children’s Games. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
OVER 20 Kerry teenagers, many from Tralee, are getting get to fly to Taiwan to compete in the International Children’s Games.
The 23 athletes are all set for the trip of a lifetime to this year’s games and cultural festival in New Taipei on Wednesday July 6.
Months of planning, preparation and fundraising has borne fruit and Tralee will be represented for the 12th successive year at this, the 50th Anniversary Games of the ICG since its inception.
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Basketball, soccer and athletics teams will represent the Kingdom in Taiwan from July 11 to 16th.
The Games, which are the largest annual multi-sport youth event in the world, promises to be even more special this year, because, as stated by Tralee ICG secretary, Mike Culloty.
The basketball team heading to Taiwan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
“The fact that it is the 50th Anniversary Games is obviously an historic landmark for the ICG and, no doubt, New Taipei will pull out all the stops to ensure that this will be a Games to remember. We are very proud that we are able to participate and represent Tralee and Kerry on this momentous occasion and our athletes are buzzing with excitement and expectation,” he said.
The young athletes who will represent Tralee and pit their skills and abilities against their peers from across the globe are as follows:
Soccer:
Paddy O Rourke (Park FC), Ronan O Shea (Killorglin AFC), Booki Nikic (Inter Kenmare), Alex O Connor (Killorglin AFC), Sebastian Vasiu (Park FC), Tadg Mc Evoy (Glin Ballyhahill Rovers), James Rusk (Park FC), and Sean Mc Grath (Park FC). Coaches are Paul Dolan and John Byrne.
The soccer team off to Taiwan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
Athletics:
Fergal O Brien (St Brendan’s AC), Cillian Griffin (Tralee Harriers) , Basit Oyebonji, Sean Quilter (Tralee Harriers), Harry Emerson (Tralee Harriers), Darragh Courtney (St Brendan’s AC), Meabh Mc Elligott,(Tralee Harriers) and Ciara Mc Carthy (St Brendan’s AC). Coach is Derbhail Foley, herself a former Tralee ICG athlete in 2006 and 2007.
The athletics team with Tralee ICG secretary, Mike Culloty. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
Basketball:
Rachel Ryan (Imperials), Ciara Ryan (Imperials), Anna Lyons (St Joseph’s, Duagh), Millie Luck (Bobcats), Katelyn Crowe (Imperials), Shelley Clifford (Cougars), and Lyselle O Shea (St Paul’s). Coaches are Linda Raymond and Carmelita Ryan.
The soccer squad face up to the challenges of Hadera of Israel, Sopron of Hungary, Montreux of Switzerland, and Taichung of Taiwan in their group games, while the basketball team will tip off against Hamilton of Canada, Tainan City of Taiwan and Keelung, also of Taiwan.
In athletics Tralee will be represented in the 100m, 400m, 800m and 1500m plus field events of Long Jump, High Jump, and Shot Put. It is hoped that both teams will advance from their group, while on the track Tralee would appear to have great capability in their sprint quartet.
“The levels of support received through our fundraising has been excellent and we wish to acknowledge the contributions made by parents and families, local businesses, and the general public at large to bag packing days, cake sales and the sale of raffle tickets” said Mike Culloty. “Without such goodwill and support it would not be possible to provide this occasion and opportunity to these children and we are deeply appreciative of this generosity”.
The teams and coaches will be joined by Head of Delegation, Paula Henry, and will fly out via Dubai to New Taipei on Wednesday July 6, returning on Sunday July 17. Good luck everyone!
