A “World Cup” played out at IT Sligo by international and home-based student footballers has produced a memorable result for Special Olympics Connaught.
With all eyes fixed on the 2014 Special Olympics Ireland Games in Limerick in June, students at IT Sligo decided to raise funds for Special Olympics Connaught, which provides year round sports training and competition for over 1,400 adults and children with intellectual disabilities in Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath.
Fourteen teams turned out for the 7-a-side knock-out competition over two days, organised as part of their programme by Marketing degree students who specialise in PR and Event Management.
A multi-national side called “The New Team” and composed mainly of French students beat the best Irish team, “O’Hara’s Dragons”, and had the honour of winning the inaugural “IT Sligo World Cup” event.
The team was: Jeremy Jaunut (France), Augustine Pucci (Brazil), Paulo Diniz (Spain), Ouahlid Mh (France), Fred Blanc (France), Jonathon Grabosky (France) and Javier Garcia Mateo (Spain).
In an extra element to the fundraiser, a penalty-kick challenge, students, staff and onlookers had the opportunity to test their talents against Sligo Rovers legend and penalty-save specialist Ciaran Kelly.
The event raised €400 which was later presented to Michael Carty, Regional Fundraising Co-ordinator, Special Olympics Connaught.
Leanne McCafferty, who is studying Marketing (PR and Event Management), and her fellow tournament organisers present a proceeds’ cheque from the IT Sligo “World Cup” competition to Michael Carty, Regional Fundraising Coordinator, Special Olympics Connaught.
Members of the victorious team in front are (left to right), Jeremy Jaunut, (Brazil) Augustine Pucci, (Spain) Paulo Diniz, (France) and Ouahlid Mh (France). Celebrating, too, are Daniel Furey, of the Knocknarea Arena, Colleen Murray, Linda Hamilton and Caroline Clancy.