This article is from page 27 of the 2007-12-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 27 JPG
WALKING enthusiasts and nature lovers are being asked to come out in the New Year for a special charity walk to help raise money for a very worthy cause.
On Sunday, January 13, scores of walkers will descend on Toonagh Hall for the fifth annual New Year Charity Walk, organised by Breda McCullough.
Proceeds from this year’s walk will go towards equipment for St Clare’s School, which will help to prepare some of the county’s most dedicat- ed young athletes take part in the Special Olympics movement.
Walkers will be offered three dif- ferent routes, designed to suit every level of fitness.
“The Special Olympics is expand- ing all the time and we are hoping to raise enough money to fund new equipment and gear for the young children in all the different events. It will allow them to keep being involved. More and more children are getting involved all the time,” said Breda.
“T organise a different fundraiser each year for local charities. In the past I have raised money for things like the Clarecastle Day Care Centre and for the Clare Branch of the Sun- set Foundation.
“It starts in Toonagh Hall and it finishes there as well. We have a two-mile, a three-mile and a six- and-a -half-mile walk. So we have something to suit everyone. It’s a
beautiful walk, it goes around by Dysert Church, Dysert Castle and the high cross as well. You have the old monastery and the graveyard up there, so besides being a lovely walk, there is a lot of interesting things for people to see.”
Helping out at this year’s event will be Conrad McCullough. Conrad did both his county and his country proud when he won a gold medal in the 100m freestyle swimming and bronze medal in the 25m relay at the Special Olympics European Youth Games in Rome in 2006.
“We don’t have sponsorship cards SO we are asking people to just come along on the day itself. It’s usually €3 to walk but people can donate what- ever they want. Altogether, we are
hoping to raise as much a €3,500,” added Breda.
“My son Conrad, who is involved in the Special Olympics, is a special needs child in St Clare’s School, he usually comes along, starts the race and helps out a lot on the day.”
The walk begins at 12.30pm and people are asked to come along for registration from 11.30am.
For more information, BJ ueLer- MO) Ole Mee bee Oe ae
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