Mullingar athletes enjoy McDonald"s little fun session!

Little athletes from Mullingar Athletic Club took part in a McDonald"s Little Athletics Agility Challenge in Mullingar Harriers as part of a nationwide programme...which is encouraging and providing resources for children to become involved in grassroots athletics.The McDonald"s Little Athletics programme, which was launched September 2008 by Sonia O"Sullivan, McDonald"s Little Athletics Ambassador, has been very well received with some 170 clubs now participating in the programme across the country.Athletics Ireland developed the initiative to enhance the agility, co-ordination and balance of 5-10 year olds, the age group identified as the fundamental stage in longer term physical development of children. Throughout 2009 the programme will be developed and Athletics Ireland Regional Development Officers will continue to roll out the programme in nationwide athletics clubs.Commenting on the programme McDonald"s Westmeath operator Sean Corcoran said, 'We are delighted that this exciting initiative is being implemented in Mullingar and indeed across Ireland. We are extremely encouraged by the reaction of athletics clubs across the country who have embraced the programme and are availing of the facilities, resources and expertise that the programme is providing for young Irish athletes.'Pat Ryan, Regional Development Officer for Athletics Ireland in Westmeath said 'This programme makes athletics fun for children and with McDonald"s we are working to increase participation here in Westmeath and across Ireland. We have found widespread enthusiasm for the programme and I am looking forward to seeing more children reap the rewards in 2009.'