City sports stars give generously

Date Published: 08-Dec-2009

THE Sports Aid collection which took place in Supermac’s, Eyre Square last Saturday was a fantastic success. Donations were made by generous Galwegians as well as by a number of Galway sports stars including members of the Galway Senior Hurling Team, Galway Senior Football Team, Galway Senior Camogie Team and Galway United Football Club.

Sports stars also helped with the collection of sports gear and equipment while meeting fans of all ages.

Voluntary organisation Sports Aid collects sports gear and equipment that has been grown out of or will not be used again. This sports gear and equipment will be passed on to those who need it but may not have the resources to purchase it themselves including schools, sports clubs and individuals. Organisations and individuals who wish to apply for consideration of Sports Aid assistance can e-mail sportaid@ireland.com.

Commenting on the Sports Aid collection day, Managing Director of Supermac’s Pat McDonagh, said, “We’re delighted with the response to the first Sports Aid. It was uplifting to see the charitable spirit we know is so prevalent throughout Galway in action. People spoke of how there is more of a need than ever for an organisation such as this to help those affected by the recent flooding to get back into a normal routine.”

Niall McNelis, Director of Sports Aid, commented: “We are thrilled with the response to the first Sports Aid collection supported by Supermac’s. Sports Aid has been inundated with requests for Sports Gear and this collection has been a huge boost in resources for the organisation. Declan Power Sports, Loughrea, donated badly needed sports gear to the organisation while Mycro Helmets have given us a number of brand new hurling helmets. These are much needed by schools, sporting clubs and individuals at the moment.

“We are very excited at the prospect of being able to help them. Sports equipment such as treadmills and rowing machines were donated by very kind members of the public. We have already found suitable recipients for these and believe there are many more people with sports gear and equipment they no longer use who can find a home for it and do a good deed by donating it to Sports Aid.”

Sports Aid needs all types of sports gear and equipment including football boots, Astroturf boots, footballs, hurleys, sliotars, helmets, rugby balls, equestrian tack, jerseys, sports tracksuits and shorts, sports jackets, runners and golf clubs.

Should people have heavy sports equipment at home such as old treadmills, rowing machines, equestrian equipment, free weights or bicycles they wish to pass on, Sports Aid will take their details by email at sportaid@ireland.com and will arrange a suitable date and time for collection.