Donegal is gearing up for National Bike Week 2019 which takes places this year from Saturday, June 22nd to Sunday, June 30th.
Through Donegal County Council, Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP) has again secured funding from the Department of Transport, Sport & Tourism to support a limited number of participatory cycling events in the county during National Bike Week.
Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of all that is good about bikes and cycling.
The main objective of Bike Week is to provide support to clubs and organisations who are interested in hosting events that encourage people of all ages to cycle. Expressions of interest are now being taken at DSP.
Looking ahead to Bike Week in Donegal, DSP’s Community Sports Development Officer, Karen Guthrie, is expecting a big participation.
“This will be the tenth Donegal Bike Week. It keeps growing in popularity year on year, with last year being the most successful yet. A total of 30 different cycling events were held in Donegal in 2018 during Bike Week. Following on from previous years, the theme once again will centre on the provision of cycling opportunities for people of all ages and abilities and re-enforcing the leisure aspect of cycling,” Karen commented.
“In 2018 year, we were particularly pleased to welcome for the first time, two organisations who cater for children with physical and intellectual disabilities, a women’s only ‘couch to 50k’ programme and an Electric Bike Ride in the grounds of Glenveagh Castle for a group of ‘Active Retirees’ from West Donegal.
“These events have highlighted the importance of a national cycling initiative like Bike Week, and how each year, the investment at local level provides first-time opportunities for those most marginalised within the community.
“Without this, our hosting organisations, wouldn’t be in a position,
financially or otherwise, to deliver these events. National Bike Week has subsequently challenged clubs in Donegal to consider every member of their community and ways of engaging those individuals,” she added.
Last year 898 adults and 483 children participated in Donegal Bike Week.
“The objectives of the programme are to promote the benefits of recreational cycling, to encourage greater participation in cycling, to encourage cycling within the workplace and to enhance the provision of cycling within the community.
“We are expecting most of those who took part last year to be involved again this year. We’re also hoping for a few new groups and organisations to participate in Donegal Bike Week 2009. It is a great opportunity to get out, get active and have fun.”
Donegal Bike Week 2019 is open to sports clubs, community organisations, schools and workplace organisations.
Applications can be obtained by emailing info@activedonegal.com. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, May 29th at 5 pm. Approval notifications will be sent out by Friday, May 31st.
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