Top role for Declan Slevin

ROSEMOUNT hand-cyclist Declan Slevin has been appointed as the new Chairman of the sporting body of the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Slevin, who last year represented Ireland at the Paralympic Games, will take up the position with immediate effect having served as part of the six-strong executive for the past two years.
Declan, who began the 2017 National Invacare Cycling League with a victory in Tipperary last weekend (he has won the handcycling title the past two years), said the opportunity to assist as many people with disabilities, in his new role, is what makes it an exciting challenge.
“I am very pleased to be considered for the position, as chairman, and delighted to take the role on. It's an interesting role that gives me an opportunity to try to help as many as possible, and I'm really looking forward to doing so,” said Slevin, who along with the other executive members will oversee the running and organisation of the Association's four main sports: Boccia, Track & Field, Wheelchair Basketball, and Weightlifting.
Meanwhile, Slevin insisted that his new position will not hinder his own performances in handcycling, as his targets for the rest of the year remain high and ambitious.
Last weekend, he started this year's Invacare League with an impressive victory. The next stage of the Invacare League (there are eight stages in total) is due to take place in Athlone (to Moate) on March 25.
Slevin is determined to retain his Invacare League title and will also travel to France in April to represent Ireland at the European Handcycling Federation Championships. 
In May, he will take part in the first World Cup meetings of the year in Italy and Belgium, before hopefully competing in the Irish National Championships in late June.
From there, Declan hopes that his busy schedule will take him to another World Cup event in Holland before the World Handcycling Championships are held in South Africa at the end of August.
“It's a busy schedule alright,” he said, “but I wouldn't have it any other way. I might have won a lot nationally in the last few years but there's a few younger lads coming through, and if I take my eye off the ball at all, I'll be open to been caught.
So, I'll continue to do what's worked for me in the last few years and see where it gets me by the end of the year.”