This article is from page 21 of the 2011-09-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
ENNIS Town Council will mark the second anniversary of Muhammad Ali’s visit to Ennis with an event to encourage young people in Ennis to be ‘The Best You Can Be’.
The event, which is due to take place in October, will promote excellence in different areas of life including sport and academic studies.
Ali, a former world-boxing champion, drew crowds of thousands when he visited Ennis in September 2009.
Details of plans to mark the occasion were revealed at the September meeting of Ennis Town Council.
Town Clerk Eddie Power explained. “To mark the second anniversary of Muhammad Ali’s visit it is intended to host an event in Glór. The theme for the event will be ‘The Best You Can Be’ and will be aimed at second level students. It is planned to have notable speakers who can relate their own stories and achievements to the attending stu- dents. The objective of the speakers will be to motivate and encourage the students to aim for excellence in whatever they do and to capitalise on their natural skills and abilities.”
Mr Power continued, “Preparatory discussions have taken place with the Clare Youth Service and contact has been made with secondary school principals in Ennis. The idea has been warmly welcomed and it is anticipated that it will attract high numbers of students.”
Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) said more should be done to promote Ennis’ links with Ali.
“Our slice of the cake is getting very small and this town has to be promoted like it never has been before,” he added.
Welcoming the initiative, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said the event would encourage young people in Ennis to achieve excellence. He said that any project that gives hope to young people should be welcomed.
Questioning if the Council could use Muhammad Ali’s name in promoting the event, Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) said, “We’re celebrating something that we can’t explicitly mention.”
Town Manager Ger Dollard said the Ali name will not be used by the Council to mark the second anniversary of the sporting legend’s visit to Ennis.
Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said ‘The Best You Can Be’ event could be developed along the lines of the Young Scientist competition.