Coghlan hails AIT athletics

The new athletics track at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) has been hailed as 'an outstanding facility' by former World and European champion, Eamonn Coghlan. He made the remarks at the official opening of the sporting facilities last Sunday. It was 'a distinction and an honour' Mr Coghlan said to open the new 400m track, which has been approved by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the world governing body for track and field. The opening of the eight-lane running track was 'great for athletics in Ireland,' he added. The Olympic-standard Mondo track was completed in winter 2008, as part of a €2.5m investment in sports facilities at the institute. The track was laid by Thornton Sports and features high lux floodlighting. The Mondo surface has been used at the last eight Olympics and will be used in London 2012. Highlighting the suite of sporting facilities at AIT, Mr Coghlan said that it was a major boost 'not just for students and staff, but also for the entire community in the area. It also opens the door for athletes who want to come here and train in Ireland in preparation for the London Olympics.' AIT President, Prof. Ciarán Ó Catháin, said that the motivation to build the athletics ground was part of the institute"s commitment to its own community and to the wider Midlands. 'The support of Roscommon Athletics Club, St Ronan"s Athletics Club and AC Celtic FC was integral to the development of the running track and the new astro-turf pitch, particularly with regard to securing Government funding,' he stated. In 2007, AIT was awarded €300,000 by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism under its Sports Capital Programme to develop the new sporting amenities. Prof. Ó Catháin also paid tribute to Deputy Mary O"Rourke TD for her support of the application, which he said had been central to the success of the submission. He continued: 'From the casual jogger to the inter-county footballer and the international athlete, sport is an integral part of what AIT is about. While there are the obvious health benefits to living an active life, sport is also a great social bond that builds communities and friendships for life. The ongoing investment in our sporting infrastructure ensures that we can meet the needs of professional sports people, as well as encouraging others to partake.' 'This participative approach,' Prof. Ó Catháin stated, 'was integral to our success in becoming the new host venue for the HSE Community Games National Finals, which commence this weekend. It also means that, for the other community groups that use the institute"s sports and educational facilities, there is always a welcome here.' Other speakers at the opening included Mayor of Athlone, Cllr Egbert Moran; Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Joe Whelan; and Liam Hennessy, President of Athletics Ireland. A large crowd was in attendance at the institute for the opening, which hosted the AAI Games and Senior Relay Championships on Sunday.