COMMONWEALTH Games star Gladys Ganiel O'Neill joined young athletes at the picturesque Portstewart Strand to mark the return of the Flahavan's Porridge Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League. The squad came together for a training session of cross country running through the sand dunes delivered by Athletics NI. Gladys spent time with squad members who asked her questions about her training regime for both marathons and cross country races. "I was delighted to be asked to act as this year's official ambassador for the league, both in my role as an Athletics NI athlete and as a fan of Flahavan's Porridge," said Gladys who is a graduate of Providence College, Rhode Island. "I got my start in running through cross country and I have gained so much from the sport over the years. Young people in Northern Ireland can benefit from involvement in the sport at all levels. "I feel that it is important to support children in their development as young athletes and to encourage them to participate in sport as part of a healthy lifestyle."
Entering its eighth season the league continues to go from strength to strength with over 4000 runners participating in last year's events. Following the final, the top 20 girls and boys will be invited to join the Flahavan's Porridge Athletics NI Junior Cross Country squad. The 2014/15 league will get under way earlier this week with children from over 125 primary schools taking part across seven regions.
For further information on Flahavan's Athletics NI Porridge Primary School Cross Country League and squad please contact Athletics NI via email info@athleticsni.org or telephone 02890 602 707, visit the Flahavan's UK Facebook page or www.flahavans.co.uk