Destination Sport Mullingar to take place 17th and 26th June

Westmeath County Council, Failte Ireland and Mullingar Chamber of Commerce in association with Westmeath Sports Partnership Ltd., Waterways Ireland and Co. Westmeath Tourism Ltd., and supported by participating sports clubs and other sporting interests in Mullingar are delighted to announce the hosting of the second "Destination Sport-Mullingar" which will involve a week-long celebration of sport in Mullingar between the 17th and 26th June 2011.

The idea of "Destination Sport-Mullingar" grew out of the success of the sporting endeavours during National Bike Week in June 2009, when the Mullingar Criterium Cycle race was resurrected after a lapse of over 25 years. Later in 2009 during the Failte Ireland-led initiative "Discover Mullingar Day", the very first "Sports Zone" was held in Mullingar, affording the many participating sports clubs a unique opportunity to showcase their particular sport to the large audiences and where those attending also had the opportunity to try various sports for themselves, in a fun way.

Also in 2009, a project involving Westmeath County Council, Fلilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland, resulted in the establishment of Mullingar as a National Cycling Hub Town in line with Failte Ireland's strategy to promote cycling tourism, aimed at attracting increased domestic and overseas tourism activity. The project also sought to renew the popularity of cycling as part of an active lifestyle and to promote the undoubted health benefits that can be gained from leisure cycling.

Sport is an activity which touches the lives of many people, providing opportunities to play sports, to join sports clubs, to attend sporting fixtures or to volunteer for sport-related activity and sport undoubtedly makes a significant contribution to the well being of our society in general. Mullingar has a rich sporting history and the town has produced many distinguished sports men & women. This event offers an opportunity to show off the towns sporting talent and will hopefully encourage more people to become involved in sporting activity.

The exciting sporting extravaganza that is "Destination Sport-Mullingar" will take place between the 17th and 26th June 2011 and aims to celebrate, encourage and promote all forms of sporting activity with opportunities for public participation in a fun and festive atmosphere. The week long celebrations will be of huge benefit to the town and will lift the great community spirit developed over the years in Mullingar. It'll be great to see the town come alive to celebrate and appreciate the level of sporting activity we have here on our doorstep.
Numerous events and celebrations will be scheduled to take place throughout the week and a full events listing will issue in the coming week - some of the main events happening will include:

• The National Criterium Cycle Race in Mullingar on Friday 17th June;
• The Fighting Cancer Triathlon on Saturday 18th June;
• The RCAG Boat Rally and Water Sports event on Sunday 19th June;
• The "Destination Sport" 5k Road Race in Mullingar on Wednesday 22nd June;
• The "Sports Zone" in Mullingar Town Park on Saturday 25th June;
• The Inter-Firms Cycle Race and Active Travel Mullingar Showcase on Sunday 26th June;
• The "Taste of Mullingar" outdoor food and crafts event in Dominick Street on Sunday 26th June;

Mullingar is a fantastic venue and as "Destination Sport" will have lots to see and do and will offer a thoroughly wonderful Midlands experience for competitors, spectators, locals and visitors alike.

So don't miss it - Come and join the fun. To download the brochure click here

Westmeath Sports Partnership Ltd is an initiative of the Irish Sports Council