People of all ages took part in the indoor “Cycle for Positive Mental Health” – from teenagers to an 85-year-old woman – and the organisers say that “there wasn’t a minute during the entire 12 hour long event when pedals weren’t spinning.”
The project, which was well supported by a host of firms who provided lots of give-aways, clothing, free passes and donations, took place at Hume Hall at the Institute of Technology.
Friends and families affected by suicide attended and the charities – Living Links Donegal, Stop Suicide and Grasp Life foundation – had stands and counsellors there to answer questions and give out information leaflets.
IT Sligo lecturer Paula Roddy, who teaches a Health Promotion in Practice module to Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure undergraduates who were joint-organisers of the event, said that as well as raising money the aim was to heighten public consciousness that physical activity eases stress and is good for mental health.
“The amount raised so far is €800,” she said. “The money in itself is very important but the real advance has been in raising awareness generally about the charities’ work, getting high-level exposure on Ocean FM about the physical activity/mental health link and the fact that we got people talking about mental health.”
All 10 stationary bikes and six turbo trainers, for those who brought their own bikes, were kept on the go by a steady stream of people, who included IT Sligo students and staff, charity group supporters, general public, and Sligo Rovers players and manager Ian Baraclough also threw their weight behind the project.
The event was an initiative of students in 4th Year Bachelor of Business (Honours) specialising in Sport and Wellness, and Ocean FM. The radio nominated the organisations – and in the run-up to the event broadcast a series of interviews with them which highlighted the services that the three organisations provide.
IT Sligo students involved in sport were also interviewed on the positive effects of physical activity on mental health.
More than 100 second-level students from Sligo and Ballisodare took part in the 10am-10pm event and the Ocean FM team joined in too when their live broadcast had been completed.
Heavy mileage stars of the day included IT Sligo 1st year Recreation and Leisure students, Brendan Fergus, who did 2.5 hours on a bike, Lani Gregory, who cycled for 1.5 hours, while Callum Keavney and Patricia Hughes put in a big effort right up to the 10pm finish.
Caption for photo above: The organisers, Darragh Healy and Thelma Keenan (4th Year BB Health and Wellness students), with lecturer Paula Roddy.
 Transition Year students from Sligo Grammar Sligo take a breather.
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 Mannion and Michael McMahon, 1st year Recreation and Leisure students. |
 You gotta hand it to them - Cian Ryan and Deirdre Regan, 1st year Recreation and Leisure students. |
 Transition Year students from Sligo Grammar School put in the miles. |