GMIT Mayo to host 2016 Kayaking Intervarsities (5 - 7 Feb)
550 kayakers to take part in biggest third-level sport participation event
The top paddlers from all over Ireland will gather in Castlebar in February next when GMIT Mayo hosts the Kayaking Intervarsities 2016, one of the largest participation events in third level sport in Ireland.
Over 550 students from colleges across the country are expected to participate in the three-day competition which runs from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 February in a number of Castlebar and Tuam locations.
Events include the Kayak Polo in Castlebar Swimming Pool and the Slalom Race on Lough Lannagh on Friday, the White Water race on the Clydagh River on Saturday morning, the Freestyle on the Clare River in Tuam on Saturday afternoon, and the grand finale of the mass participation long-distance on Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, on Sunday morning.
Ronan O’Neill, GMIT Mayo organising committee chairperson, says: “It promises to be a great event for Castlebar and Tuam, apart altogether from the windfall for the local economy. All the events will be spectator friendly and free of charge.”
Nigel Jennings, GMIT Mayo Sports Officer, adds: “There promises to be a festival atmosphere as the colleges and universities arrive for what is their annual pilgrimage and do battle in a variety of disciplines to see who will ultimately be crowned Intervarsity Champions for 2016”.
“This event will further enhance GMIT Mayo’s reputation as a national power in the realm of outdoor adventure activities and reinforce Mayo’s growing reputation as the destination of choice for Outdoor Adventure Activities while highlighting what an excellent town centre water sports amenity Lough Lannagh is, showcasing the wonderful work done on it in recent years.”
“We are very proud of our students’ professionalism in organising this national event. It is a massive undertaking and I am absolutely confident that they will put on a show that the college and the local community will have every reason to be proud of”.
For further information on GMIT Mayo’s Outdoor Education programmes, and other programmes, please visit: www.gmit.ie/mayo
