SEVENTEEN young Kerry athletes are all set and ready to fly to Moscow and Ufa to represent Tralee ICG at this year’s International Children’s Games and Cultural Festival, which will be held from July 9th to 15th.

Ufa is the capitol city of the Republic of Baskortostan, close to the Ural Mountains and the country of Kazakhstan, and has previously hosted the ICG Winter Games in 2013.

Tralee’s preparations for the Games have been ongoing since team selections were finalised for Soccer, Judo and Track and Field in February.

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“It has been an all-out committed effort by parents, coaches and athletes over the past few months and the work undertaken is now about to bear fruit, as we make final arrangements for the journey to Moscow and Ufa for the Games” according to Tralee ICG chairman, Mike Culloty.

In total the Tralee delegation will consist of 17 athletes, 4 coaches, 2 delegates, and a travelling support party of 17 family members.

“It really is fantastic that so many are making the effort and sacrifice necessary to lend their support to the team in Ufa and we look forward to their voices on the sidelines and in the sports halls at the Games” said Mike.

“Of course we would be nowhere without the continuing levels of support from members of the local community, through our raffle sales, bag packs and willing sponsors. We are all truly grateful for this support”.

The Ufa Games will have over 1300 athletes competing at the Games, representing 90 cities from 35 countries worldwide. The Tralee soccer squad is drawn against Vevey (Switzerland), Samos (Greece) and Sentilj (Slovenia) in their Group games.

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Five athletes will compete in Track and Field in the 100m, 400m, 800m, Long Jump, High Jump and Shot Putt while a team of 3 boys and 1 girl will take on the might of Holland and the Ukraine on the judo mat.

Tralee ICG received a welcome boost in April of this year when Fexco announced that they would enter a three year sponsorship deal with Tralee ICG to provide significant funding toward the overall cost of playing gear and tracksuits for the teams travelling to the Games.

“Naturally we are delighted with this support from Fexco and greatly appreciate their kindness toward us, as new gear is needed every year for each succeeding team participating at the Games. We are conscious of and thankful also for the support of Kerry County Council’s Community Support Fund, the Tesco Community Fund and so many other sponsors and supporters who wish to remain nameless. Without these supports our young Tralee and Kerry athletes would never have the opportunity to experience such an International Sporting and Cultural Festival at this age of their young lives. We all have much to be thankful for,” said Mike.

Tralee Teams for Ufa:

Judo Team:

Jack Costello, Firies: Stephen Palmer, Firies: Kristin Lyne, Ardfert:  Donna Rodgers, Tralee

Coach: Danny Roche

Track and Field Team:

Girls: 100m: Melissa Ahern, Aghadoe: Shot Put: Aine O Shea, Firies: 800m Alison Butler, Killarney; 400m Lisa Cassidy, Spa Fenit

Boys: 100m & Long Jump: Bobby Byrne, Tralee.

Coach: Dearbhail Foley

Soccer Team

Richard Healy, Park FC: Ray Mc Grath, Park FC: Odhran Ferris, Park FC:

Yago Cornide, Inter Kenmare: Alex Hennigan, Killarney Athletic: Alex Hoare, Tralee Dynamos

Cormac Dillon, Listowel FC: Kalvin O Sullivan, Killarney Celtic

Coach: Robin O’Day; Asst Coach John Byrne

Head of Delegation: Paula Henry