Donegal Sports Partnership along with Team Donegal Oil, founded by Arthur McMahon from Donegal Oil Company launched a Women’s Only Multi-Sport Fun event which will take place at Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre on Oct 9th 2022. The launch took place on Thursday evening last 5th May at the offices of Donegal Oil Company, Letterkenny.

Some years ago Arthur McMahon, Managing Director of Donegal Oil Company set up a membership network which aimed to encourage participation in outdoor activities for all age groups and fitness abilities for everyone, throughout County Donegal.

“My initial aim for Team Donegal Oil was to try and encourage everyone to “have a go” and participate in outdoor activities and events for our better health and mental health.” says Arthur.

“After hosting many successful sporting Team Donegal Events over the years, we are really looking forward to this Multi-Sport Women’s Only Event. Team Donegal Oil will be working with local adventure tourism providers to make free kayak lessons available to women who enter the challenge. Everyone who enters will get the opportunity to try kayaking for free with Hugh Hunter from Ec-Atlantic Adventures before the event and details of local running and cycling groups will be shared by Donegal Sports Partnership with entrants who would like to train with groups in their own locality.”

“Since Covid and all the lockdowns we have endured over the past 2 years, we have been approached by a large number of women who would love to participate in a fun event that would get them back out training and also have something to look forward to participating in with their friends and work colleagues. After several discussions with Myles Sweeney of Donegal Sports Partnership, Rory Kennedy and Shaun Stewart, we were delighted that we could host an event like this. Shaun Stewart has come on board as our Director of Event and he has designed the route that will consist of a 5km Walk/Jog/Run, 20km Cycle and a 1km Kayak.”

“It struck me when the cycle against suicide and the Pieta House darkness into light events came to Donegal that one of the ways we can help to feel better is by getting a bit of exercise. We’re not talking about mad stuff here, just getting out in the fresh air and getting the blood pumping a bit. It really can do wonders if you’re feeling a bit blue.”

Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP) Co-ordinator Myles Sweeney added ” Sports events which provide opportunities for women to participate are a key focus of Sport Ireland and the Donegal Sports Partnership and forms part of the the national Women in Sport strategy. We are delighted to link with Team Donegal Oil for this event in October and look forward to supporting as many women as possible to take part in what will be a fun event at Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre.”

The well known Nikki Bradley from Tri-Athalon Ireland and the Motivation Factory has also come on board as our Brand Ambassador and we are delighted to have such an inspirational lady involved.” concludes Arthur.

To participate in this Women’s Only Sporting event you don’t have to be super fit, there is plenty of time over the summer months to get started, get fit and have some fun along the way. There will be an entry fee of €20 for an individual and €30 for a Team of 2/3 and every single cent will go to two Donegal Women’s Charities, Donegal Women’s Centre and Donegal Women’s Domestic Violence Service – DWDVS. A Goody Bag plus a specially designed participation medal will be given to everyone who completes the event, sponsored by Donegal Oil Company.